ISSUE #116

Good morning,

Welcome to another week!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Airport parking fees going up

• Daily Poll - Stop you from parking?

• LifeLabs closes one location until Oct.  

• Optimism about TTC contract

• Boutique hotel on its way

• $13M for winter roads coming

• FWFN drug bust

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - One owner custom built home! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

News

Airport Parking Rates To Rise Nov. 1 To Fund Parking Expansion

Thunder Bay International Airport is increasing parking fees on Nov. 1.

The hourly rate will rise from $2 to $3, and the daily maximum will move from $20 to $22. Airport officials say the additional revenue will help pay for a $4.5-million expansion and upgrade of parking facilities that’s slated to wrap by the end of October.

The project includes adding about 200 new parking stalls and widening existing spaces to improve traffic flow and accessibility during peak periods. Jackie MacDonald, the airport authority’s director of business development and revenue management, said the fee changes are needed to support infrastructure and service levels the community expects.

The airport noted that higher passenger volumes have been driving demand for parking, and that the upgrade aims to make it easier for travellers to find spots and move in and out of the lots efficiently.

Travellers should check the airport’s notices for any signage or access changes as the project finishes up.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Friday’s Results:

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

Healthcare

Lifelabs Closes Port Arthur Health Centre Site Until Oct. 1 Due To Staffing

LifeLabs has temporarily closed its collection site at the Port Arthur Health Centre, citing staffing shortages.

The closure began July 14 and is expected to last until Oct. 1. In the meantime, patients are being redirected to LifeLabs’ other Thunder Bay locations on Arthur Street East and Oliver Road.

The company acknowledged longer lines at those sites and said both still accept walk-ins in addition to scheduled appointments. When the closure was announced, the next available appointments shown online stretched into late August at both open locations, reflecting the service pressure from the temporary shutdown.

LifeLabs said the decision was made to ensure services can resume safely and effectively once staffing stabilizes, and emphasized that maintaining standards of care is the priority.

Patients planning bloodwork or other lab tests should check current hours and availability before heading out, and bring physician requisitions as usual. The company has not indicated any additional changes beyond the scheduled October reopening.

Business

Union Welcomes TTC Single-Source Deal With Alstom, Presses For Thunder Bay Build

Local leaders are applauding the TTC’s move to negotiate a single-source contract with Alstom for new Line 2 subway trains, and pushing to ensure the work lands in Thunder Bay.

The base order covers 70 six-car trainsets—55 to replace aging Line 2 vehicles and 15 for the Yonge North and Scarborough extensions—with options for additional trains depending on funding and performance. Unifor Local 1075 president Justin Roberts called the news “great,” saying a scope comparable to past orders could translate to roughly 400–500 jobs at the Thunder Bay plant.

Where assembly happens remains undecided: Alstom has facilities in Thunder Bay and Kingston. MP Marcus Powlowski and MPP Kevin Holland both urged that as much manufacturing and final assembly as possible occur in Thunder Bay, while acknowledging final details will be set in negotiations.

The TTC cancelled an RFP and is proceeding to talks with Alstom; a status update to the TTC Board is expected by year’s end.

Tourism

24-Suite ‘Lux Suites’ Boutique Hotel Rising At Edward And Redwood

A new boutique hotel is under construction on Thunder Bay’s south side.

Terralux General Contractors is building “Lux Suites,” a three-storey, 25,000-square-foot project with 24 oversized suites—eight per floor—geared to extended stays. Managing partner Cherie Papa says rooms will feature full kitchens, in-suite laundry, walk-out balconies, and barrier-free options; the main level will include pet-friendly outdoor space.

The corner lot at Edward Street and Redwood Avenue has sat vacant for more than two decades, and the project aims to add an attractive anchor to the Northwood Village area. With Chapples Golf Course, the airport, and the regional hospital nearby, the team views the location as a strong fit for visitors who need more space and amenities than a standard room.

The build carries an estimated price tag between $8 million and $9 million, and the opening is targeted for early 2026, pending construction progress.

Infrastructure

Ontario Invests $13M To Support 3,200 Km Winter Road Network

The province is putting $13 million into Northern Ontario’s winter road system, which links 32 remote Indigenous communities and the Town of Moosonee—serving about 24,000 people.

Typically open six to eleven weeks from late January to the end of March, these seasonal routes are critical for moving food, medical supplies, construction materials, and for families to travel. Of the total funding, $8 million will go directly to communities to operate and maintain the roads this season.

Another $5 million will fund pre-engineered bridges and geotechnical studies through the Winter Roads Program’s Bridges and Culverts Stream—work aimed at improving reliability and safety in future years.

Northern Development Minister George Pirie called winter roads a “lifeline,” noting that the investment is intended to strengthen the network and enhance access to services while the region navigates economic challenges. Further project details will be coordinated with participating communities.

Indigenous News

NAN Honours Five Leaders At Keewaywin Conference In Moose Cree

At the 43rd Keewaywin Conference (Aug. 12–14) in Moose Cree First Nation, Nishnawbe Aski Nation recognized five people for outstanding service to their communities.

Frank McKay (Sachigo Lake First Nation) received the Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership for decades of work advancing Indigenous and Treaty rights and building community services. Former Moose Cree Chief David Fletcher received the Elder Award for a lifetime of guidance and regional leadership.

Joanne Naveau (Mattagami First Nation) earned the Helen Cromarty Memorial Award for Women for revitalizing cultural practices and mentoring. Summer Spade (Deer Lake First Nation) received the Shannen Koostachin Youth Leadership Award for championing education and opportunities for youth.

The Joe Wheesk Legacy Award went to Clarence Fisher (Long Lake #58 First Nation) for exceptional service as a NAN employee. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said the awards honour dedication that strengthens and uplifts NAN Nations.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

August 18

Storytime on the (School) Bus & Expo
Preschool storytime + explore a real school bus (two sessions)
Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
10:15–10:45 am & 10:45–11:15 am
$ FREE

Baby and Me Storytime
Songs & rhymes for infants (0–12 months)
County Park Library – 1010 Dawson Rd, Unit 108
11:15–11:45 am
$ FREE

Discovery Club (STEAM Drop-In)
Robots, coding & building challenges (ages 4+; drop-in)
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward St S
All day (during branch hours)
$ FREE

Sing with Mr. B Music Concert
All-ages sing-along with local music teacher/performer
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward St S
2:30–3:30 pm
$ FREE

Waverley Park Concert Series
Free outdoor concert in the park (Monday series)
Waverley Park – Red River Rd & Waverley St
6:30–9:00 pm
$ FREE

Dart Tournament (Cricket) @ Red Lion Smokehouse
Casual darts—first-come, first-served
Red Lion Smokehouse – 16 Cumberland St S
7:00 pm
$ FREE

Open Mic @ The Foundry
Musicians/poets welcome—weekly open mic
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
7:30 pm
$ FREE

Octopoulpe & Bo.Senberg w/ Impostrophe (All Ages)
International touring acts—experimental/rock
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Rd (Suite 101)
8:00–11:30 pm
$20

Community Living Duck Hunt
City-wide scavenger hunt—find & snap the ducks!
Various locations (city-wide)
All day
$ FREE

August 19

Jazzy Tuesdays With Mood Indigo
Smooth live jazz paired with dinner and drinks
6:00 pm–9:00 pm, Anchor & Ore – 2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy
$ FREE

Tuesday Group Run
Community 5 km run/walk—friendly pacing, meet at Rita Street parking lot
6:30 pm–7:30 pm, Boulevard Lake – Lyon Boulevard W.
$ FREE

Tai Chi in the Park
Free evening tai chi class by the water
7:00 pm–8:00 pm, Marina Park – Water Street
$ FREE

Family Storytime
Early literacy with songs, rhymes & stories (preschoolers welcome)
10:00 am–11:00 am, Mary J.L. Black Library – 285 Red River Road
$ FREE

Discovery Club (STEAM Drop-In)
Hands-on science, robotics & building play for children (ages 4+); drop-in
All day, Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
$ FREE

August 20

PIEROGI DAYS!!!
Homemade Polish pierogi, cabbage rolls, soups & more—carry-out also available
9:00 am–4:30 pm, Polish Combatants’ Association – 209 N. Cumberland Street
$ FREE

Live on the Waterfront – Classic Rock Night
Free outdoor concert with classic rock performances
6:00 pm–9:00 pm, Marina Park Festival Area, Water Street
$ FREE

Movie Night: Drowning in Dreams
Documentary about the Gunilda shipwreck, followed by a Q&A
7:00 pm–9:30 pm, Thunder Bay Museum – 425 Donald Street E.
Admission by donation ($8 adults, $3 children, free with membership)

Ira Johnson Band @ Howl at the Moon
Live all-ages performance by the local Ira Johnson Band
8:00 pm, Howl at the Moon – 8 Cumberland St. South
$ FREE

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar @ Shooters Tavern
Weekly piano bar night—no cover
8:00 pm, Shooters Tavern – 377 Memorial Avenue
$ FREE

August 21

RibFest 2025
Family-focused rib festival with food vendors, kids’ zone, live music, and a 50/50 draw—Thursday is a low-sensory/take-out only evening
Marina Park – Water Street
4:00 pm–9:00 pm
FREE entry (some activities and food are ticketed)

Harbour Fest
’90s-themed street festival downtown—music, entertainment, vendors, and community nostalgia
Waterfront District
5:00 pm–11:00 pm
FREE

Summer in the Parking Lot – URBAN HIP
Live, all-ages hip-hop/urban music outdoors in the Superior Inn parking lot
Superior Inn Hotel – 555 Arthur Street West
6:00 pm
$ 7–$20 (ticket required)

Thursday Night Group Run
Community 5 km run/walk around Boulevard Lake—free and open to all paces
Meet at Rita Street parking lot (Lyon Blvd W.)
6:00 pm–7:00 pm
FREE

Movie Night: Drowning in Dreams
Screening of the documentary about the shipwreck “Gunilda,” followed by a Q&A
Thunder Bay Museum – 425 Donald Street East
7:00 pm–9:30 pm
By donation (suggested $8 adults / $3 children)

Karaoke Every Thursday @ Bar Polonia
Open-mic karaoke at the Polish Combatants’ Association—song selection, fun, and donations accepted
Bar Polonia – 209 N. Cumberland Street
8:00 pm–11:00 pm
Donations

August 22

Play Day @ Waverley Library
Free, sensory play with toys and interactive books for kids
10:00 am–4:00 pm, Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
$ FREE

Discovery Club (STEAM Drop-In)
Self-guided STEAM exploration with robots, coding, and building challenges for ages 4+
All day, Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
$ FREE

RibFest 2025
Family rib festival with food trucks, music, kids’ activities, and a 50/50 draw
11:00 am–9:00 pm, Marina Park – Water Street
$ FREE entry (food and activities ticketed)

Swing and Blues at Monty’s Joint
Live swing and blues music in a relaxed bar setting (19+)
6:00 pm, Monty’s Joint – 513 Victoria Avenue East
$ FREE

August 23

Home of the Day

3090 Lloyd St

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

2+1 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
1,610 sqft

$800,000

Open concept design with detached 2 car garage.