ISSUE #133

Good morning,

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

In today’s issue we cover:

• New shopping centre potentially next to rumoured Costco?

• Daily Poll - Should city approve? 

• Northern pups head south  

• Saw-mill shuts down in Ear Falls

• Kenora arena gets face lift 

• Tennis dome is delayed

• First Nations skeptical of promises

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - 10 acres on Hazelwood! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

City Hall

New Shopping Centre Promises More Places to Spend Your Money

A developer is hoping to turn a plot of land at the corner of the Harbour Expressway and Golf Links Road into a shopper's paradise.

The proposal, which is currently seeking a rezoning from light-industrial to commercial, would see the construction of a new shopping centre. While the city is keeping mum on most of the potential tenants, a McDonald's and a grocery store are already under contract. T

he project is being touted as a sign of confidence in Thunder Bay's economy, and a great way to create new jobs and connect to the city's active transportation system. The development is planned in two phases, with the first phase including the aforementioned fast-food joint and grocery store, along with another commercial building.

The second phase will see five more units built. While some may be concerned about the potential for increased traffic in the area, the developer has conducted traffic studies that are currently under review by the city.

The developer has also recently received approval to rezone nearby land for a rumoured Costco, so it seems this corner of the city is destined for big things, and even bigger shopping carts.

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).

Do you love Thunder Bay Digest so much you want to donate to it to help keep it running?

Or are you interested in:

• Creating your own poll for the readers to respond to? ($2)

• Having an event highlighted? ($5)

• Showcasing your house ($10)

• A full ad ($25)

Then click the coffee cup below to find out how and get in as soon as the next issue!

A HUGE thank you to dukfran@…. for supporting Friday’s issue! I appreciate the love! ❤️

Charity

Northern Pups Find New Digs Down South

A furry contingent of 14 dogs from the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society and Constance Lake First Nation have packed their bags and headed south to find their forever homes.

The canine adventurers are being welcomed by Ontario SPCA animal centres in Orangeville, Orillia, Durham, York Region, and Brockville. This is just the latest in a series of animal transfers from Northern Ontario, with 30 cats from the Kenora Cat Shelter also making the trip south recently.

The Ontario SPCA says that every adoption creates a ripple effect, opening up space to help more animals in need. So far this year, 229 animals have been transported from northern communities to find loving homes. The organization also works with communities to reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter and wellness clinics.

For those who aren't able to adopt, the SPCA is always looking for foster volunteers to provide a temporary home for animals who need a little extra TLC. So, if you're in the market for a new best friend, there's a good chance a northern charmer is waiting for you at a shelter down south.

Economy

Sawmill Shutdown Leaves Town in a Lurch

The town of Ear Falls is facing an uncertain future after the indefinite shutdown of its sawmill, the community's largest employer.

The closure, which is being blamed on U.S. softwood lumber tariffs and market uncertainty, will affect nearly 150 unionized workers. The news has been described as "heartbreaking" for the town, which has relied on the mill for generations. The shutdown comes as the U.S. administration has imposed a 10% tariff on lumber, on top of existing duties.

This has created a perfect storm of economic pressure on Canadian producers. The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association has expressed deep concern over the closure, which it says will have immediate and lasting impacts on workers, local businesses, and surrounding municipalities.

The union representing the sawmill workers is calling for immediate government action to develop a plan to protect forestry jobs and counter U.S. trade pressures.

In the meantime, the town is looking for ways to support the affected workers and their families, and is hoping for a swift resolution to the trade dispute.

Regional News

Local Arena Gets a Much-Needed Facelift

Kenora's Thistle Arena is back in business after a summer of major renovations. The arena, which is part of the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre, had its concrete dry pad replaced, new boards installed, and other upgrades to combat frost heave damage.

The old pad, which was 50 years old, had reached the end of its life and was suffering from frost damage that caused it to be uneven. The new infrastructure will capture heat from the arena's ice plant and direct it underneath the slab to prevent frost from forming.

The sports complex's main entrance is also being renovated to make the building more secure and accessible. The goal is to have a single point of entry where visitors have to check in at the front desk. The renovations will also include wider sliding doors to improve accessibility.

The city says the work is necessary to keep the facility up-to-date and provide a safe and welcoming environment for all users. So, lace up your skates and get ready to enjoy the newly refurbished arena.

Recreation

Tennis Dome Project Serves Up a Delay

The Rogers Tennis Dome at Chapples Park is facing a bit of a delay, with the opening now pushed back to December.

The dome was supposed to be inflated by October 15, but mechanical and electrical issues have caused a setback. The delay is a disappointment for the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre, which has already sold 300 memberships and is in the process of selling programming.

The project has received funding from the city, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and FedNor, as well as a contribution from Tennis Canada and Rogers, who have the naming rights.

However, the project is still about $500,000 short of its nearly $5 million price tag, and the tennis centre will be launching a fundraising campaign to make up the difference.

Once inflated, the 42,000-square-foot dome will have six courts, with one court that can be converted into four pickleball courts. So, while you'll have to wait a little longer to play a match, the new dome promises to be a great addition to the city's sports facilities.

Indigenous

First Nations Skeptical of Nuclear Waste Storage Plan

Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon says that when it comes to the plan to store high-level nuclear waste in Northwestern Ontario, she's taking a "prove it" approach.

Citing a long history of broken promises and environmental damage, Solomon told an Indigenous environmental forum that the word of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the government is not enough. She pointed to the legacy of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows First Nation as an example of how assurances of safety have been proven false.

The NWMO is proposing to build a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel at a site west of Ignace. The plan has been met with opposition from several First Nations in the region, who are concerned about the potential for environmental contamination.

The Land Defence Alliance, of which Grassy Narrows is a founding member, has been a vocal opponent of the project. The forum was organized to bring together community activists and academics who are fighting to protect the land and water.

The group is challenging the narrative that the nuclear waste will be buried in the territory, and is vowing to continue to stand up for the land.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

October 20

City Council Meeting 
A regular meeting of Thunder Bay City Council. 
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: S.H. Blake Memorial Auditorium, City Hall, 500 Donald Street E.

Family Storytime 
A drop-in program for children and their caregivers featuring stories, songs, and rhymes. 
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Thunder Bay Public Library - Waverley Resource Library, 285 Red River Road

Open Jam at The Foundry 
A weekly open stage for musicians to collaborate and perform. 
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

October 21

Taco & Trivia Tuesday 
A weekly trivia night hosted by Nerd Nite Thunder Bay. 
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Norteños Cantina, 217 Bay Street

Thunder Bay Warriors vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye 
The Thunder Bay North Stars face off against their SIJHL rivals. 
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Fort William Gardens, 901 Miles Street E

Book Babies 
A drop-in program for babies (0-24 months) and their caregivers, featuring songs, stories, and rhymes.
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Thunder Bay Public Library - Mary J.L. Black Branch, 901 S. Edward Street

Open Mic Night at The Foundry 
A weekly open mic for singers, songwriters, and musicians of all kinds. 
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

October 22

Lakehead Thunderwolves vs. Waterloo Warriors Men's Hockey 
Cheer on the home team in this OUA regular season matchup. 
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Fort William Gardens, 901 Miles Street E

Trivia Night at Red Lion Smokehouse 
Join host Chris Barstow for a night of general knowledge trivia. 
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Red Lion Smokehouse, 16 Cumberland Street S

Wednesday Night Open Stage at The Foundry 
An evening showcasing local and visiting musical talent. 
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

October 23

Karaoke Thursdays at The Foundry Sing your heart out at this popular weekly karaoke night. Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 8:00 PM Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

Tech Help Drop-In 
Get one-on-one help with your technology questions, from smartphones to laptops. 
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Thunder Bay Public Library - Brodie Resource Library, 216 S. Brodie Street

October 24

Lakehead Thunderwolves vs. Waterloo Warriors Men's Hockey 
The second game of a weekend series against their OUA rivals. 
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Fort William Gardens, 901 Miles Street E

Urban Infill Art Exhibition Opening Reception 
The official opening reception for Definitely Superior Art Gallery's 37th annual juried art exhibition. 
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Definitely Superior Art Gallery, 250 Park Avenue

Friday Night Live at The Foundry 
A showcase of live music featuring local and touring bands. 
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

October 25

Thunder Bay Country Market 
A weekly market featuring dozens of local farmers, producers, artisans, and food vendors. 
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: CLE Grounds, Dove Building, 425 Northern Avenue

Urban Infill Art Exhibition 
View the work of dozens of regional artists at Definitely Superior Art Gallery's 37th annual juried exhibition. 
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Definitely Superior Art Gallery, 250 Park Avenue

Kam River Fighting Walleye vs. Wisconsin Lumberjacks 
An SIJHL regular season home game for the Walleye. 
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM Location: NorWest Arena, 550 B Lillie Street N

Saturday Night Live at The Foundry 
A showcase of live music featuring local and touring bands. 
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

October 26

Urban Infill Art Exhibition 
View the work of dozens of regional artists at Definitely Superior Art Gallery's 37th annual juried exhibition. 
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Definitely Superior Art Gallery, 250 Park Avenue

Exhibition Viewing: The Northern Landscape 
Spend an afternoon viewing the gallery's latest exhibition featuring landscapes from Northern Ontario artists. 
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Thunder Bay Art Gallery, 1080 Keewatin Street

Sunday Songwriter Series 
An intimate evening featuring performances from local and touring singer-songwriters. 
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

Home of the Day

2107 2260 Sleeping Giant Parkway

$599,900
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
1,400 sq/ft

Waterfront condo!