ISSUE #111

Good morning,

In today’s issue, we cover:

• NOMA pushes for Hwy 11/17 improvements

• Daily Poll - Should the Trans Canada be a priority?

• Craft breweries are loving the tax savings  

• Tbay was the most violent city in Canada last year

• Tbay sailor ends bid to sail around the world

• Wednesday smashed a 114 year-old record

• Inquest into mining death

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Raised River Terrace bungalow! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Transportation

NOMA Pushes Ottawa & Queen’s Park on Highway 11/17

Improving the Highway 11/17 corridor through Northwestern Ontario should be treated as a national priority, says the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA). In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford, NOMA argues that while “important progress” has happened around Thunder Bay, the broader stretch from Kenora through Thunder Bay to Nipigon and east toward North Bay remains “underserved” and prone to closures and collisions.

NOMA’s fix: invest now and consider a 2+1 highway design—alternating center passing lanes separated by a median barrier—used successfully in Europe to cut fatal crashes when full four‑laning isn’t realistic.

President Rick Dumas warned a single serious crash can shut the corridor for 12 to 15 hours, choking off a route he calls Canada’s “backbone” for western freight—and a lifeline for Indigenous and rural communities.

Thunder Bay–Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois backed the plan, calling 2+1 a “significant improvement,” while MPP Kevin Holland said he’ll work across ministries to keep upgrades moving

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).

Economy

Microbrewery Tax Cuts Roll Out in Thunder Bay

Craft beer lovers in Thunder Bay have reason to cheer: new provincial tax cuts are lowering production costs for small breweries.

Under the new rules, breweries producing less than 7,000 hectolitres annually will see their provincial beer tax slashed by about 50%—saving around $100,000 per year for typical small operations. Owned-and-operated businesses like Sleeping Giant Brewing, Dawson Trail and others should benefit most.

The province says the changes support local entrepreneurs, rural tourism, and job creation—plus it boosts craft-beer festivals and tourism appeal. Some brewers note it’s not a game changer, but an important signal of support that could be reinvested into production, staff, or marketing.

With consumer interest in “local” beer on the rise, Ontario’s craft scene gains a more competitive edge. If you’re a fan already—or thinking about joining—the taste of summer just got a little sweeter… and less taxed.

Local Business

Thunder Bay Tops Violent Crime Rankings in 2024

Thunder Bay has earned a dubious distinction: the highest violent crime severity index (206.31) of all 42 Canadian census metropolitan areas in 2024, according to Statistics Canada.

That’s more than double the national average of 99.87 and represents a 7.1% increase from 2023’s score of 192.63. The violent crime ranking covers everything from assaults to threats and family violence.

Despite eight reported murders, Thunder Bay’s non-violent crime index (69.2) was slightly below average—but up 9.3% over the previous year. Overall, the city had the sixth-highest overall crime severity index (107.7) in Canada. Winnipeg came second (186.77), while Sudbury led Ontario.

While the numbers don’t necessarily mean Thunder Bay is wildly dangerous, they do suggest entrenched social issues—like addiction, housing instability, and systemic inequality—are major drivers. Community leaders say addressing root causes must go hand-in-hand with policing to improve public safety.

Outdoors

Thunder Bay Sailor Ends Around‑the‑World Bid

Thunder Bay’s own Dan Turk has withdrawn from the Mini Globe Race due to health concerns.

After completing two legs—crossing the Atlantic twice and covering close to 16,000 nautical miles—Turk will leave his home-built plywood yacht, Little Bea, in Fiji to return home for treatment.

He’d been set to depart Fiji heading to Capetown, South Africa, in what’s considered the toughest part of the gruelling 24,000-mile, 13-month voyage. In a heartfelt post, he praised the support from sponsors, friends, and family and reflected on placing third and fifth in the first two legs.

Developed from his experiences at the Thunder Bay Yacht Club, Turk's solo adventure showcased grit, self-reliance, and the spirit of exploration. His followers send best wishes for his health and a hope to see Little Bea back on the water once he recovers—and perhaps even finishing the journey in the future.

Weather

Wednesday Rainfall Smashes 114‑Year‑Old Record in Thunder Bay

Heavy July showers drenched Thunder Bay on July 23 as 56.5 mm of rain fell, breaking a 114-year-old daily record (set at 29 mm in 1911).

Environment Canada reports that areas near Pukaskwa Park clocked between 70 and 90 mm. Watershed officials say Corbett Creek saw the highest levels of the storm, with Slate River and other monitored waterways rising—but staying well below flood thresholds.

Though the localized downpour was historic, ongoing rainfall in late June and July raised concerns about saturated ground.

The silver lining? No major flooding.

With sunny skies ahead, water levels are expected to stabilize. While extreme local records can raise alarms, officials say we’re well within the watershed’s capacity—for now. Still, it’s a reminder of how quickly weather extremes can shift here in Northwestern Ontario.

Mining

Inquest Called into 2020 Death at Lac des Iles Mine

Ontario’s regional supervising coroner, Dr. Kevin Miller, has ordered an inquest into the death of Edouard Gallant, 64, of Dunlop, N.B., who was fatally injured underground at Impala Canada’s Lac des Iles palladium mine on May 27, 2020.

Gallant, a contractor with SCR Mining and Tunnelling, was killed in a “run of muck” — a sudden rush of blasted ore mixed with water and concrete — while working at the site north of Thunder Bay.

he announcement came on July 22, 2025; a date and venue for the hearing have not yet been set.

Under Ontario’s Coroners Act, an inquest is mandatory for on‑the‑job mining deaths. A five-person jury will hear evidence, review circumstances surrounding the incident, and may issue recommendations to prevent similar tragedies.

Impala Canada previously pleaded guilty and was fined $350,000 in 2023 related to this fatality and another serious injury at the mine the same year.

Further logistical details about the inquest will follow from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

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

716 Lexington Cres

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

3+2 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
1,965 sqft

$849,900

Raised bungalow in River Terrace.