ISSUE #108

Good morning,

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Truckers challenge new route

• Daily Poll - Do you agree about the new truck route?

• City defends payments  

• Stunt driving charge 👮‍♂️

• New child care centre opens

• Second friendship centre to open this fall

• Power restored after forest fires

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Golf course living! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Transportation

Ontario Trucking Association Challenges New Thunder Bay Truck Bylaw

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is up in arms over Thunder Bay’s new truck-route bylaw (Bill 211-2025), set to take effect October 1.

The OTA warns that banning heavy trucks from Dawson Road and Highway 102 could force roughly 1,300 trucks—hauling about $60 million in goods each day—to detour onto Highway 11/17. That could add a massive 7.6 million extra km of travel annually, burn 3 million more litres of diesel, and produce an additional 7,900 tonnes of CO₂.

Beyond environmental and wear concerns, the OTA estimates there will be 5.7 more tractor-trailer collisions annually. Given this, they’re appealing directly to Premier Doug Ford and federal ministers, arguing it creates barriers to interprovincial trade and hurts the regional economy.

Thunder Bay City Council passed the bylaw 8-5, but OTA is urging a pause and reconsideration before fuel costs, traffic and safety concerns escalate.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Monday’s Results:

You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).

News

“Nothing Nefarious”: City Staff Defend $125K BIA Payment

Thunder Bay city staff have pushed back on criticism after approving a $125,000 payment to the Fort William BIA. Some business leaders thought it was a “political payoff” tied to the Miles Street shelter village.

Tony DiPaolo of the BIA questioned why such funds, earmarked for security or clean-up, suggest elevated risk. In response, city officials said the money funds BIA-led “revitalization” efforts in the south core—not contingency for problems.

Staff emphasized it supports clean-up, beautification, and safety initiatives regardless of the shelter’s eventual location. They stressed it's a standard mitigation approach—not a sign of hidden concerns.

With shelter location set for ratification on July 21, the payment covers a year’s worth of proactive community improvements. The City insists it’s business as usual, budgeting responsibly to support local stakeholders.

Police

Local Man Charged With Impersonating Police Officer

A 33-year-old Thunder Bay resident is facing some serious charges after allegedly impersonating a police officer on Highway 587, the route to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Following a complaint, OPP responded to find the man blocking traffic and displaying what appeared to be a badge. Investigators say he wasn't a cop—just pretending.

He's now charged with impersonating an officer, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and forcible confinement. His actions led to a disruption of traffic and, more alarmingly, possible intimidation of other motorists.

After being arrested, he was released on conditions and must attend court in September.

Kids

New Child-Care Program Kicks Off in Thunder Bay

A brand-new early learning centre—OKC Early Learning Centre—is now open in Thunder Bay, offering much-needed licensed care for little ones. The centre provides 10 toddler spaces and 16 pre-school spots for children under four, operating year-round, five days a week.

Thanks to funding from the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program, fees are capped at $22 per day or less, making quality care more affordable. Executive Director Jackie Knough emphasized that the space supports families with high-quality, inclusive early learning.

Though soft-opened recently, the official grand opening is planned for October. Families will enroll through the regional centralized waitlist managed by the DSSAB.

This initiative aligns with Ontario’s push for affordable childcare and should help parents return to work with peace of mind, all while ensuring their kids receive nurturing early education.

Community

Friendship Centre to Open Second Location This Fall

The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is expanding with a second location set to open this fall in the former Bank of Montreal building on Red River Road.

Executive Director Charlene Baglien shared that renovations are underway, and among the highlights is an indoor teepee—a cultural space designed for one-on-one meetings and ceremonies, placed right in the entrance area.

The new site will operate alongside the existing North Cumberland Street location, allowing the centre to broaden its services and better serve the community. The space is being designed thoughtfully to reflect Indigenous culture and values, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Once completed, this expansion will help the Friendship Centre offer more programming and drop-in services for Indigenous people across Thunder Bay.

Indigenous News

Power Restored to Six First Nations After Wildfire Outages

After hydro poles along the Wataynikaneyap Power line were damaged by nearby wildfires, six northwestern Ontario First Nations lost power—but crews have now restored service as of 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 15.

The outages lasted roughly four days and affected hundreds of residents. The loss of power during the heat and wildfire season disrupted services and heightened concerns in remote communities.

Wataynikaneyap Power, a First Nations-led transmission provider, coordinated repairs alongside provincial forestry agencies and local partners. Spectrum supplies and repairs were completed quickly, showcasing teamwork under pressure.

Community members are breathing a sigh of relief now that lights, fridges, and respiratory health support systems are back online. While the fires remain a reminder of climate risks in the region, restoration signals a success story for community-led infrastructure and emergency coordination.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

July 18

Toonie Swim at Canada Games Complex
Budget-friendly family swim time with pool access
Canada Games Complex – 420 Winnipeg Avenue
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
 $2 per person

Jazz & Old-Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Smooth live jazz with classic cocktail atmosphere
Anchor & Ore – 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

DJ Ducktail at Woodside Bar
DJ night with dance and chill vibes (19+)
Woodside Bar – Red River Road
6:00 pm
$ FREE

Paranormal Cirque IV
A mysterious circus under the big top featuring acrobats and illusionists (13+ with adult)
Intercity Shopping Centre Parking Lot – 1000 Fort William Road
9:30 pm (also runs through July 21)
$ TBD (ticketed)

The Selfies at The Foundry
High-energy classic/pop cover band performance
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm
$ FREE

July 19

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods & crafts
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E Memorial Ave
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Crossroad Music Summer Series
Live outdoor concert featuring local musicians
Crossroad Music – 632 City Road
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Vinyl Saturdays at Red Lion Smokehouse
Music, food & vinyl DJ vibes
Red Lion Smokehouse – 16 Cumberland St S
3:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

Festival of India
Colourful cultural celebration with music, performances & food
Marina Park – Water Street
3:00 pm onwards
$ FREE

DJ Rogue at The Foundry
Energetic DJ dance night (19+)
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm
 $5

July 20

Female Border Collective Skate
Inclusive community skate session for all skill levels
Cinema 5 Skatepark – 115 Cumberland Street North
10:00 am–12:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Festival of Colours
Celebrate community with a vibrant colour-throwing event, music, and fun
Marina Park – Water Street
3:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE

Paranormal Cirque IV
Mystery circus under the “Striped Big Top”—13+ with adult admission
Intercity Shopping Centre Parking Lot – 1000 Fort William Road
8:30 pm
$ TBD (ticketed)

Home of the Day

2105 Foothill Dr

(Realtors if you want your home featured - send us an email: [email protected])

5 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
2,489 sqft

$1,500,000

Backs onto a golf course.