ISSUE #100

Good morning,

Apologies for missing the last two. I was travelling and it proved difficult.

In today’s issue, we cover:

• So much for that shelter location 🎪

• Daily Poll - City handling it well? ?

• Terry Fox legacy continues 👟

• Another scam making the rounds 👮‍♂️

• Wildfire update 🔥

• Chippewa restoration starts 🏞

• National Indigenous Day celebration  

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Turn of the century beauty s 🏡

- Marcus Luft

City Hall

Council Scraps Kam River Park as Site for Shelter Village

Thunder Bay City Council voted 12–1 on June 23 to remove Kam River Heritage Park from consideration for a temporary shelter village. Citing safety and logistical concerns—including proximity to rail lines and water—the motion reinstates previous site options like Miles Street East and Cumberland Street North.

Councilor Michael Zussino dissented, but most agreed that the railway’s refusal to permit safe access made Kam River Park untenable. City Manager John Collin emphasized due diligence and transparent evaluation, while Coun. Rajni Agarwal questioned the months spent exploring the site against railway warnings.

With $2.8 million in provincial funding contingent on construction by July, council has instructed staff to fast-track alternative sites. Public consultations and updated assessments are expected this week to avoid delays in the initiative to address room shortages among Thunder Bay’s unhoused population.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Wednesday’s Results:

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

Cancer

Darrell Fox Cycles into Thunder Bay, Honouring Terry’s Legacy

On June 23, as part of the “Ride of Hope” journey, Darrell Fox, brother of Terry Fox, cycled into Thunder Bay from British Columbia, retracing part of Terry’s Marathon of Hope route. Fox and his team averaged 220 km per day, arriving in the city on Day 15, where he paused at the same spot Terry halted in 1980.

Emotionally, Fox described the experience as both physically grueling—riding through 36 °C heat and prairie storms—and spiritually uplifting. He said, “Terry’s message of hope lives on; this journey is about adding more of it to the world.”

Supported by a crew for logistics and safety, the group continues eastward toward Saint John, heading through Schreiber, Marathon, and future stops along the Lake Superior north shore. The ride is raising funds for cancer research and re-energizing Terry’s legacy with each pedal stroke.

Police

Provincial Fraud Warning: Text-Message Scam Alert Issued

On June 20, Thunder Bay Police issued a Fraud Friday alert warning residents of a new text-message scam impersonating the TBPS. Recipients received messages inviting them to complete an “online survey,” with suspicious links that, if clicked, could harvest personal data or install malware.

Police confirmed they are not conducting any text surveys, advising recipients to delete such messages immediately. They reiterated that scammers often mimic trusted brands to extract gift card info or banking credentials.

This warning comes amid rising reports of financial fraud targeting vulnerable demographics. Residents are urged to verify messages through official channels and consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for guidance.

Outdoors

Northwest Ontario Wildfire Update: 22 Active Fires, Rain Brings Relief

As of June 23, there are 22 active wildfires in the Northwest Fire Region. While Kenora 14 (1,607 ha) has been extinguished, major incidents like Red Lake 12 (194,127 ha) and Sioux Lookout 18 (23,648 ha) remain uncontrolled. However, rainfall—23 mm in Deer Lake—helped dampen flames, and cooler weather improved containment efforts.

Fire crews, including 24 ground teams and 18 helicopters, are working tirelessly to hold perimeters. Residents are reminded that drones are illegal near fires and urged to report smoke quickly.

Though wildfire risk remains low overall, vigilance is key as conditions continue to fluctuate.

History

Restoration Underway for Chippewa Park’s Historic Carousel

Thunder Bay’s beloved Chippewa Park Carousel—one of the few remaining hand-carved wooden horses dating back to 1920—is getting a long-awaited enclosure and restoration in 2025. Managed by the Friends of Chippewa Park, the restoration aims to protect the carousel from elements and extend its lifespan.

Operated each summer since June 2022 after a previous refurbishment, the carousel and its historic Pavilion will remain open during construction this fall. Interim measures include temporary weatherproofing and routine maintenance to ensure safe operation.

The carousel is a cherished local icon and a highlight of the Thunder Bay Kite Festival and family outings at the park. Project lead Jeff Labine noted that the enclosure will allow year-round use, community rentals, and additional revenue for park upkeep. The construction is funded via provincial heritage grants, municipal support, and private donations—underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving this piece of regional history.

Indigenous News

Thunder Bay Hosts National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise & Powwow

On June 21, Thunder Bay recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day with a sunrise ceremony, drum circles, and a family-friendly powwow in Waterfront Park, organized by local Indigenous leaders and supported by the City of Thunder Bay. The event included traditional drumming, dancing, and sharing of food and cultural teachings, welcoming residents of all backgrounds.

Hosted in the morning to coincide with the summer solstice, the gathering began with an opening prayer led by Elders from Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and Métis Nations. Children participated in a hand drum workshop and storytelling session that emphasized respect for the land and Indigenous languages. Cultural booths showcased beading, crafts, and ribbon skirts, with volunteers teaching participants about traditional significance.

Mayor Ken Boshcoff attended and said, “Events like this remind us of the rich traditions that form the fabric of this region.” Organizers expressed hope that ceremonies like this strengthen community ties and encourage ongoing learning.

Home of the Day

124 Summit Ave

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

4 bedrooms
3 bathroom
3,300 sqft

$999,000

Character home with a great view!