ISSUE #110

Good morning,

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Housing driving Tbay inflation

• Daily Poll - Does inflation worry you?

• Shelter village location finally selected  

• Locally built saunas

• $9,000 fine for moose tag infringement

• Upgraded to a murder charge

• Bill C:5 met with skepticism

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Hillcrest Park! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Economics

Rising Rents, Fewer Units: Thunder Bay’s Housing Squeeze Tightens Amid Modest Inflation

While Thunder Bay’s June inflation rate clocked in at a manageable 2.1%—up slightly from May’s 0.9%—the real story for many residents isn’t groceries or gas. It’s housing. According to the latest report, rental vacancy rates have dropped to just 1.9%, pushing rents higher and limiting options across the city. Average rent for a one-bedroom is now $1,175, with two-bedrooms averaging $1,490—marking a noticeable jump in a city once considered affordable.

What’s driving the squeeze? Slower construction of new purpose-built rentals and rising mortgage costs are pushing more would-be homeowners into the rental market. Demand is up, supply is stuck, and affordability is slipping. Local housing advocates warn that unless new stock comes online soon, more residents—especially young adults and lower-income families—will be priced out or forced into precarious living situations.

So while overall inflation is steady, the day-to-day stress of finding and affording a place to live is mounting. Thunder Bay may not have Toronto-level rents, but the pressure is real—and growing. As housing availability shrinks, solutions can’t come soon enough.

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

“Whiplash” as Council Rejects Miles Street, Approves Hillyard Site

Thunder Bay councillors experienced a dose of “whiplash” on July 28 when the decision on the Miles Street shelter village pivoted again.

After narrowly rejecting the long-scrutinized 114 Miles Street East site in a 7–6 vote, council approved a lesser-known option on 8th Avenue—adjacent to the Hillyard dog park—by the same margin.

Coun. Shelby Ch’ng described the rapid change as dizzying. Mayor Ken Boshcoff cast the tie-breaking vote both against Miles Street and in favour of Hillyard. Council members debating said the Hillyard site brings fewer service-access issues and less impact on adjacent neighborhoods.

Still, some councillors urged caution, saying the procedural shift lacked sufficient community consultation. For advocates concerned about timely housing supports, it’s one step closer—but the quick turnaround has left many feeling reactive rather than proactive.

As the city moves forward at its fast-paced pace, the focus now shifts to designing the village layout and lining up modular housing—this time with a new address.

Local Business

Local Firm Unveils Thunder Bay–Built “Pollo” Saunas

Say hello to the Pollo sauna—a cozy, birdhouse-shaped wellness retreat handcrafted right here in Thunder Bay by Bob’s Woodburners & Fireplaces.

Company president Justin Santarossa, who draws on his Finnish heritage, designed this cedar-clad model with flared walls (about a 15° angle) to enhance both style and comfort. Pollo includes a 4 × 6 ft change room and fits up to six people in its wood-fired interior.

Fully assembled and WETT-certified, it ticks all the boxes for insurers. The compact 12 × 6 ft footprint makes it perfect for backyards, small cottages, or retreats.

Santarossa shares that leaning back in Pollo feels surprisingly luxurious—like a sauna from another league.

With all materials sourced locally—including cedar from nearby mills—the Pollo embodies both regional craftsmanship and Finnish sauna culture.

It's a small business stepping into a unique niche, and they’re hoping Thunder Bay folks love taking their wellness to the backyard.

Outdoors

$9,000 in Fines for Illegal Moose Tag-Sharing

Wildlife officers have handed out a total of $9,000 in fines after uncovering a scheme where three hunters from Thunder Bay illegally shared a moose tag.

In October 2023, three friends harvested a bull moose, but only one held a valid tag. After the kill, the tag was unlawfully invalidated and replaced, misleading authorities.

The meat was then shared among the trio. All pleaded guilty earlier this year: hunter Berardi was fined $4,000, Thomas Tronsen another $4,000, and Alan Tronsen received a $1,000 fine.

The moose was seized by conservation officers. Officials stressed the importance of immediately invalidating tags at the harvest site to ensure fair moose populations and sustainable hunting. The case serves as a reminder to follow the rules: illegal sharing can cost big—both in fines and in local wildlife health.

Police

Murder Charge Laid After Assault Victim Dies

Thunder Bay police have upgraded charges in a tragic case from early July.

On July 3, officers responded to an assault in the area of Jean Street and Van Norman Street, finding a man with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital and remained in critical condition.

Sadly, on July 16, the 27-year-old Thunder Bay resident passed away—prompting the charge upgrade, confirmed by police on July 22 . Previously, the accused, 34-year-old Billy Moskotaywenene, had been charged with aggravated assault.

With the victim's death, police re-arrested him and laid a charge of second-degree murder. He has since been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Thunder Bay Police Service stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with information or video related to the July 3 incident to contact the homicide unit immediately

Indigenous News

Carney at Bill C‑5 Summit: Dedication Meets Scepticism

At the July 17 summit in Gatineau, former central bank boss-turned-PM Mark Carney reiterated his commitment to meaningful Indigenous consultation around Bill C‑5—but Chief Jeffrey Copenace from Onigaming First Nation remains wary.

Copenace attended with other Northwest chiefs and said Carney showed “real dedication,” yet he emphasized their communities “don’t want to be left behind.” Bill C‑5 proposes fast-tracking major infrastructure projects under the new Building Canada Act, and many Indigenous leaders worry it sidesteps environmental safeguards and constitutional rights.

While Ottawa pledged more dialogues and regional meetings, several chiefs criticized the process as rushed. Onigaming’s Chief Copenace stressed concerns over land and water protections, urging clear warning signs on bypassing traditional consultation routes.

The summit didn’t resolve tensions—but it did open lines of communication. Leaders say they’ll hold Ottawa accountable to real action—nothing less—and are crafting written input now ahead of the bill’s next reading.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

July 23

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

Rock Painting at Toy Sense!
Creative rock painting for kids (adult supervision required) — with drinks available at Wildwood Café
Toy Sense – 447 May Street North
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
$ FREE

Live on the Waterfront Concert Series
Free weekly family-friendly concert series at the marina
Marina Park – Water Street
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

Lies and Legends – The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin
Outdoor stage performance featuring the music and stories of Harry Chapin
Magnus Theatre Outdoor Stage – 10 Algoma St. S.
7:30 pm–[~9:00 pm]
$ FREE

July 24

Night at the Ballpark
Doubleheader baseball evening at the stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar Street
5:00 pm (Game 1), 8:05 pm (Game 2)
Adults $17 · Seniors/Students $14 · Children $6 · Infants FREE

Summer In The Parking Lot – Sour Creme & The Silver Spoons
All‑ages live music in the Superior Inn parking lot
Superior Inn – 555 West Arthur Street
6:00 pm
 $7–$20

Piping in the Park – Macgillivray Pipe Band
Evening pipe-band performance in Greenway park setting
Hillcrest Park – High Street North
7:30 pm–8:30 pm
$ FREE

The DeFAMED All Ages Show
Family-friendly variety show for kids & adults
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Road
8:00 pm–11:30 pm
$ FREE

July 25

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

Toonie Swim at Canada Games Complex
Family-friendly swim time for only $2
Canada Games Complex – 420 Winnipeg Avenue
6:00 pm
$2 per person

DJ Ducktail at Woodside Bar
Lively DJ set with dance vibes—19+
Woodside Bar – Red River Road
6:00 pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Border Cats Game
Summer baseball game at Port Arthur Stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar Street
6:35 pm
$ Ticketed

La francophonie dans tous ses états (Kickoff)
Opening night of Francophone arts festival
Definitely Superior Art Gallery – 115 Cumberland Street North
7:00 pm
$ FREE

Buskers Kick-Off Party @ Goods & Co Market
Street performers and live entertainment
Goods & Co Market – 251 Red River Road
7:00 pm
$ FREE

Throwback at The Foundry
Retrospective music night featuring classic hits
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm
$ FREE

July 26

Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival
Street performers, musicians, craft booths & food trucks|
Waterfront District – Bay Street & Algoma Street
10:00 am–6:00 pm
$ FREE

Crossroad Music Summer Series
Outdoor live music featuring local bands
Crossroad Music – 632 City Road
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Storytime with Mz Molly & Friendz
Children’s storytime followed by crafting at the library
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
2:30 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Border Cats Game
Summer baseball game at Port Arthur Stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar Street
6:35 pm
$ Ticketed (prices vary)

July 27

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

Northwood Hills 5K
Community-friendly 5 km run on paved Parkdale Trail
Boulevard Lake – Meet at Rita Street parking lot
10:00 am–12:00 pm
$ FREE (registration required by July 23)

Garden Tour 2025
Self-guided walking tour of beautiful local community gardens
Various residential neighbourhoods (map provided at start locations)
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival
Annual street-performer festival with music, arts, and food vendors
Bay Street & Algoma Street waterfront district
10:00 am–6:00 pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Border Cats Game
Summer baseball game at Port Arthur Stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar Street
1:35 pm
$ Ticketed

Lies and Legends – The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin
Outdoor theatrical concert featuring the music and stories of Harry Chapin
Magnus Theatre Outdoor Stage – 10 Algoma Street South
2:00 pm–~3:30 pm
$ FREE

Home of the Day

120 High St S

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

4+2 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
1,013 sqft

$899,000

Character home across from Hillcrest Park.