GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 23-5-25

Estimated read time: 12 minutes

ISSUE #90

Good morning,

Another week done! A small note about Monday. I will be travelling this weekend so it is possible that Monday’s edition won’t be able to happen due to timing reasons. If that is the case, I do apologize for missing the day.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

In today’s issue, we cover:

- Marcus Luft

Recreation

Bike Lanes Officially Opened for 2025

Cyclists in Thunder Bay can rejoice as the city’s on-street bike lanes are now officially open for the 2025 season.

After a delayed start due to lingering snow and street debris, the lanes became accessible on May 22. These bike lanes will remain in service until November 15, weather permitting.

The city boasts 69 kilometers of on-street bike lanes and 60 kilometers of multi-use trails, all part of Thunder Bay’s Active Transportation Network. This initiative promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces carbon emissions, and strengthens community connections.

City officials remind both drivers and cyclists to share the road responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety.

For those new to cycling or considering it as a commuting option, local bike shops offer a range of options suitable for various terrains and distances. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring gravel paths, there’s a bike tailored to your needs.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Should the city provide more bike lanes

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Wednesday’s Results:

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

Local

Water Bombers to the Rescue

On May 21, a series of grass and brush fires erupted along the railway corridor stretching from the Thunder Bay Airport area to beyond Twin City Crossroads. Thunder Bay Fire Rescue received multiple 911 calls around 3:00 p.m., reporting visible smoke and flames along the tracks.

Fire crews, in coordination with the Oliver Paipoonge Fire Department and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, swiftly responded to the multiple ignition points. Their top priority was protecting nearby residential areas.

The collaborative effort involved deploying multiple pumper units and, notably, CL-415 waterbombers to suppress a fire dubbed Thunder Bay 9, which spanned approximately five hectares.

Despite the challenging conditions, the teams managed to contain and fully suppress the fires within approximately five hours. Fortunately, no structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of these fires remains under investigation. The Ministry of Natural Resources has assigned a lead investigator to determine the origin of the blazes. Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or signs of fire to authorities promptly.

Police

6 Charged in Drug Bust

Thunder Bay Police have announced a major breakthrough in an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, laying charges against six individuals after seizing significant quantities of illegal drugs — including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and various other narcotics — during multiple raids.

The arrests stemmed from an extensive surveillance and intelligence operation conducted by the TBPS Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit, targeting suspected trafficking activity in several parts of the city. On May 21, officers executed search warrants at multiple addresses across Thunder Bay, leading to the arrests and seizure of drugs with an estimated street value exceeding $100,000.

In addition to the narcotics, police recovered cash, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a firearm, which are now part of the evidence being processed. The six individuals arrested include both men and women, ranging in age from their early 20s to late 40s. They now face a range of charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as well as weapons and property-related offenses.

This isn’t an isolated bust — it’s part of a broader crackdown by Thunder Bay Police on the growing threat of opioid and stimulant trafficking in the region. Authorities say the proliferation of fentanyl-laced substances poses a serious health crisis, and they’re encouraging residents to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

Nature

Shoreline Restoration Shows Promise

Thunder Bay is making significant strides in restoring its Lake Superior shoreline, an area once heavily impacted by industrial pollution. Decades of contamination had designated parts of the shoreline as environmental concerns. However, ongoing rehabilitation projects are bringing the shoreline back to health.

Collaborative efforts between local authorities, environmental organizations, and community members have led to the revitalization of natural habitats and improved water quality. These initiatives aim to remove Thunder Bay’s designation as a Great Lakes Area of Concern, a status that has been in place for years due to environmental degradation.

The restoration projects not only benefit the environment but also enhance recreational opportunities and boost the local economy. As the city continues its commitment to environmental stewardship, residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying a cleaner, healthier shoreline.

Transportation

Hwy 17 Reopens After Forest Fire Closure

A forest fire near Oliver Paipoonge led to the temporary closure of Highway 17 west of Thunder Bay on May 21. Emergency services, including the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, responded promptly to the large fire in the area.

Twin City Crossroads was closed to vehicular traffic between Arthur Street West and Highway 11/17, and a section of Highway 11/17 was also closed. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Thanks to the swift response of firefighting crews, the fire was brought under control, and the highway was reopened to traffic shortly after 7 p.m.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to remain cautious, especially during dry conditions that can exacerbate fire risks.

Indigenous News

First Nations Leaders Oppose Ontario’s Bill 5 Over Mining Concerns

On May 22, 2025, First Nations leaders from Northwestern Ontario voiced strong opposition to Ontario’s proposed Bill 5, known as the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act.” The bill aims to expedite mining approvals by designating areas like the Ring of Fire as “special economic zones,” potentially bypassing certain provincial and municipal regulations.

Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation expressed deep concerns, stating, “There will be confrontation on the ground” if the government proceeds without proper consultation. He emphasized the importance of respecting treaty rights and the need for meaningful dialogue with Indigenous communities.

Chief Archie Wabasse of Wunnumin Lake First Nation highlighted the significance of the land to his people, saying, “We have our own sacred laws, natural laws we live by since time immemorial.” He urged the government to engage directly with communities to understand their perspectives.

In response, Energy and Mining Minister Stephen Lecce acknowledged the concerns and mentioned that the province is revising the bill’s preamble to reinforce its constitutional duty to consult with Indigenous peoples. However, critics argue that these changes are insufficient and call for more substantial engagement.

The proposed legislation has sparked widespread debate, with Indigenous leaders, environmental groups, and civil liberties organizations expressing apprehension about its potential impacts on Indigenous rights and environmental protections. The province maintains that the bill will boost economic development, but many Indigenous communities fear it could lead to exploitation of their lands without adequate safeguards.

As discussions continue, First Nations leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting their territories and ensuring that any development respects their rights and traditions.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

May 23

The Great Benamins Circus: Under the Big Top
A real circus!
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - 425 Northern Ave
4:30pm & 7:30pm
$20-$40

Superior Quilt Show
A celebration of quilting!
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - Coliseum Building - 425 Northern Ave
12pm-8pm
$7

Séan McCann - The Great Big Canadian Road Trip
One man, one guitar, a lot of music, stories and connection
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
7pm
$25-$40

The SpongeBob Musical
Broadway version of the favourite kids cartoon
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$20

Cambrian Players: A Year With Frog and Toad
A family friendly musical
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
7pm
$15-$30

Play Day @ Mary J
Families drop in for self-guided free play and socialization with toys, puzzles, and games
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
9:30am-4:30pm
$ FREE

Play Day @ Waverley
Families drop in for self-guided free play and socialization with toys, puzzles, and games
Waverley Library - 285 Red River Rd
10am-4pm
$ FREE

Karaoke:

  • The Hodder - 481 Hooder Ave
    9pm

  • The Dragon’s Den - 1010 Dawson Rd
    10pm

  • The Social - 1047 Dawson Rd
    9:30pm

  • The Bar - 863 Red River Rd
    10pm

  • The Waterhouse - 9 Cumberland St S
    10pm

May 24

Cambrian Players: A Year With Frog and Toad
A family friendly musical
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
7pm
$15-$30

The Great Benamins Circus: Under the Big Top
A real circus!
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - 425 Northern Ave
1:30pm & 7:30pm
$20-$40

Crossroad Music Rocking the Rez 2025
Summer music series
632 City Road, Fort William First Nation
2pm-8pm (rain or shine)
$ FREE

Superior Quilt Show
A celebration of quilting!
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - Coliseum Building - 425 Northern Ave
10am-4pm
$7

The SpongeBob Musical
Broadway version of the favourite kids cartoon
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$20

TBBS presents Blues Blast 2025 at the Da Vinci
Live blues music
Da Vinci Centre - 340 Waterloo St S
6pm-11pm
$70-$75

Tech Club
Meet-up for kids and parents who want support navigating modern technology - aspiring coders, digital artists, gamers, tinkerers etc
Waverley Public Library - 285 Red River Rd
1pm-3pm
$ FREE

Karaoke:

  • Westfort Prosvita - 721 Gore St W
    8pm-12am

  • Howl at the Moon - Sober Karaoke - 8 Cumberland St S
    9pm

  • The Hodder - 481 Hodder Ave
    9pm

  • The Social - 1047 Dawson Rd
    9pm

  • The Bar - 863 Red River Rd
    10pm

  • The Dragons Den - 1010 Dawson Rd
    10pm

May 24

Female Border Collective Skate
Female skateboarding at an indoor skate park
Cinema 5 Skate Park - 115 Cumberland St North
10am-12pm
$ UNSURE - Call 807-285-7588 for details

Cambrian Players: A Year With Frog and Toad
A family friendly musical
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
1:30pm
$15-$30

Superior Quilt Show
A celebration of quilting!
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - Coliseum Building - 425 Northern Ave
10am-3pm
$7

The Great Benamins Circus: Under the Big Top
A real circus!
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - 425 Northern Ave
1:30pm & 4:30pm
$20-$40

The SpongeBob Musical
Broadway version of the favourite kids cartoon
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$20


Home of the Day

1223 B Grandview Beach Rd

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

4 bedrooms
4 bathroom
3,910 sqft

$1,699,000

3 level living on the shores of Lake Superior.

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