ISSUE #101

Good morning,

Welcome to Friday! I hope everyone has a fun and safe sort-of-long-weekend! 🇨🇦

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Ontario invests heavily in shipbuilding 🚢

• Daily Poll - Will it pan out? ?

• New Town Halls on Smart Growth Plan 🏢

• Three arrested in drug bust 👮‍♂️

• Wanted: Shelter Village operator 👩‍🏫

• Synchronized traffic lights one step closer 🚦

• Ring of Fire encampment protest  

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Whitewater mansion 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Industry

Ontario Invests $215M in Provincial Shipbuilding—Northern Ontario Included

On June 25, the Ontario government announced a historic $215 million investment to bolster the province’s shipbuilding and marine sectors, benefiting regions including Northwestern Ontario. The funding will support a new $15 million Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program, aimed at expanding shipyard capabilities, upgrading infrastructure, and upskilling workers.

The initiative aligns with Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and addresses economic challenges from U.S. tariffs. Local businesses in Thunder Bay—strategically located on Lake Superior—stand to benefit from strengthened maritime maintenance capacity and potential new construction contracts. The investment is expected to sustain jobs in Northern ports and generate new employment opportunities connected to marine logistics and repair.

Ontario’s government highlighted the region's rich aquatic infrastructure, noting its potential as a marine transportation hub. Mayor Ken Boshcoff stated the announcement “cements Thunder Bay’s marine advantage” and supports ongoing efforts to diversify the local economy.

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).

Municipal

Thunder Bay Seeks Input on Smart Growth Plan with New Town Halls

On June 25, the City of Thunder Bay launched a public consultation for its Smart Growth Action Plan, inviting residents to share ideas on urban development, housing, and infrastructure priorities. Open through July 4, feedback can be submitted online at the city’s website or via email.

Two town halls have been scheduled: June 25 (5:30–7:30 p.m.) at Mary J.L. Black Public Library and June 26 (5:30–7:30 p.m.) at Oliver Road Community Centre. City planners say participant input will shape policies on residential densification, transportation options, green spaces, and sustainable building practices.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to manage growth responsibly over the next decade, ensuring development balances affordability, environmental health, and economic opportunity. Residents are encouraged to attend and contribute to the future of their neighbourhoods.

Police

Three Arrested in Thunder Bay Drug Bust on McLaughlin Street

On June 25, Thunder Bay Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the Emergency Task Unit, executed a successful drug raid at a residence on McLaughlin Street. The operation, sparked by tips in May, led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of suspected cocaine, a handgun with ammunition, and over $5,000 in cash.

Among those apprehended was 24-year-old Tayvon Vernon of Oshawa, facing 13 charges ranging from possession for trafficking (x2) to unauthorized firearm possession, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and breaching probation—potentially punishable by life sentences. 62-year-old Scott Millard of Thunder Bay was also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possessing proceeds from crime over $5,000. All three were remanded in custody following their court appearance on June 25.

The police praised the operation as a key victory against street-level drug operations and weapons trafficking in the city. Authorities urge residents to continue providing tips through Crime Stoppers to aid future investigations.

Social Issues

Wanted: Shelter Village Operator for Kam River Heritage Park

The City of Thunder Bay issued a calling for proposals on June 9, with submissions due by June 25, to find a qualified operator for its planned shelter village at Kam River Heritage Park. The initiative will offer 80–100 modular units to provide transitional housing as part of a human-rights-based encampment strategy.

Under a provincial exemption to the Residential Tenancies Act, the facility aims to deliver integrated support services, including mental health, addiction, and employment assistance. The five-year project is part of the Enhanced Encampment Response and funded by $2.8 million in provincial grants, contingent on setup this summer.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) specifies operational, social support, and community integration requirements. Members of Thunder Bay's business and social sectors are encouraged to apply, as the initiative aims to reduce street encampments with a supportive and structured response.

Traffic

City to Launch Synchronized Traffic Signals This Summer

On June 26, Thunder Bay officials confirmed plans to install synchronized traffic signals along key corridors starting this summer. The first phase of the upgrade includes three east–west routes—Arthur Street (Waterloo to Mountdale), Harbour Expressway (Fort William Road to Golf Links), and Red River Road (Algoma to Junot)—which will be equipped with new signal technology by late July or August.

Director of Engineering Matthew Miedema explained that, once configured, traffic lights will form a “green wave,” allowing drivers traveling at the speed limit to pass through multiple lights without stopping. The goal is to reduce unnecessary halts, ease congestion, lower fuel consumption, and cut greenhouse gas emissions—objectives originally outlined in the city’s 2018 Transportation Master Plan.

The project involves installing fibre and wireless signal connections, updating older signal controllers, and adding improved vehicle detection systems—including camera units and magnetic sensors. While this phase focuses on east–west traffic, future stages will extend synchronization to Balmoral, Waterloo, Fort William Road, and Memorial Avenue. Residents are encouraged to follow traffic signage during infrastructure upgrades expected to continue into next year.

Indigenous News

Ring of Fire Encampment Raises Indigenous Consultation Concerns

On June 26, two First Nations groups, including families from Attawapiskat and Neskantaga, embarked on a 400 km canoe journey to establish a protest encampment near a proposed Ring of Fire bridge site along the Attawapiskat River. The symbolic “Here We Stand” action underscores demands for free, prior, and informed consent before any infrastructure development in the remote mineral-rich region.

The movement was prompted by the introduction of Bill C-5, which Aboriginal leaders criticize for fast-tracking environmentally and culturally sensitive projects. For many communities, such as Attawapiskat and Neskantaga, the encampment reasserts presence on ancestral lands and rejects any decisions made without proper Indigenous engagement.

The Canadian Press reported that this peaceful demonstration seeks to draw attention to the ongoing issue of consultation. Organizers invite other First Nations to join, determined to make sure their voices are heard in development decisions that affect treaty lands.

Home of the Day

2763 King George’s Park Dr

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

3+1 bedrooms
4 bathroom
2,745 sqft

$1,075,,000

Character home with a great view!