ISSUE #112

Good morning,

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Biomass investment

• Daily Poll - Will biomass lead to anything?

• LU crop research  

• Free women’s-only training course starts

• Kenora housing issue

• 50/50 winner from out of town

• Inquest into mining death

• Things to do this week 🗓️

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

- Marcus Luft

Economy

$6.2-Million Boost for Northwestern Ontario’s Biomass Sector

Queen’s Park is pumping $6.2 million into eight biomass projects aimed at turning under-used forestry by-products into energy, fuels and new materials.

The big winner is Thunder Bay’s Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE), which nets $5 million over three years to “de-risk the supply chain” for emerging bio-tech. Other grants include $250-k for Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek to study a chip-fuelled district-heating system, $130-k for White River Forest Products to explore a pyrolysis plant, and $100-k for Atikokan’s Biopower diesel study.

Ontario forestry minister Kevin Holland made the announcement at Thunder Bay Pulp & Paper, calling forest biomass “a jobs engine hiding in plain sight.” Proponents say the cash will lower emissions, create skilled work and wring more value from every harvested tree.

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).

Education

Field Trials Fuel New Farm Insights at LU Ag Research Station

Dozens of producers packed Lakehead University’s Agricultural Research Station on July 25 to see the latest plot trials.

Researchers showcased “side-by-side” tests of slow-release fertilizers, earlier pea seeding dates and new cold-tolerant soybean varieties. Station manager Dr. Tarlok Sahota told visitors the work is about “answering local soil questions, not one-size-fits-all recipes.”

Early data suggests precision micro-nutrient blends can bump wheat yields 8–10 %, while a June 5 seeding window for peas shaved a week off harvest without hurting protein. Farmers also got a peek at drone imagery that pinpoints compacted zones for targeted tillage.

Attendee Rick Vise of Slate River called the open house “the cheapest agronomy course I’ll take all year.” Findings will be published this fall, giving growers lab-backed numbers before they order 2026 seed and fertilizer.

Kenora

Kenora Hotel Expropriation Sparks Housing Alarm

Kenora council’s plan to seize the crumbling Kenricia Hotel for downtown revitalization could displace up to 35 current residents, warns advocate Marlene Elder of Kenora Moving Forward.

While city staff promise to work with the District Services Board to re-house tenants, Elder likens it to “musical chairs—somebody gets left out.” Kenora already faces a long affordable-housing wait-list and ongoing tent encampments.

Critics fear the heritage makeover prioritizes tourism aesthetics over sheltering vulnerable people. Council says expropriation is necessary to save the landmark and combat safety hazards but acknowledges interim housing solutions remain unclear as the legal process begins.

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.

Lottery

Etobicoke Man Snags $1.737-Million Thunder Bay 50/50 Jackpot

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s July draw made Saif Zaman an instant millionaire—$1,737,000 to be exact.

Zaman, who has “religiously” bought tickets, plans to wipe out student debt and help his mom retire.

Launched in 2021, the online lottery has now paid out over $71 million while funding hospital equipment and care upgrades.

August tickets are on sale, and organizers note it’s the 23rd straight month the pot has topped $1 million—proof that Northern Ontario’s favourite gamble shows no signs of cooling off.

Indigenous News

SIU: Deer Lake Man Advanced Toward Police Before Fatal Shot

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has corrected its initial statement on the July 22 police shooting of Eric Nothing, 40, on Deer Lake First Nation.

The watchdog now says Nothing approached, rather than fled, Nishnawbe Aski Police officers who were executing an arrest warrant when one officer fired. He was taken to the nursing station but pronounced dead.

The SIU also amended Nothing’s age (earlier reported as 45). A Toronto post-mortem is underway; investigators are seeking witness video between 1-2 p.m. that day. The OPP has launched a parallel probe, while community members—stunned by a second police-involved death in the family line—await answers.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

July 28

Community Living Duck Hunt
City-wide scavenger hunt—find decorative ducks across the city and share your photo!
Various locations across Thunder Bay
All day
$ FREE

Marina Park Splash Pad
Family fun splash pad open daily through the summer
Marina Park – Water Street (adjacent to Water Garden Pavilion)
11:00 am–8:30 pm
$ FREE

Waverley Park Concert Series
Weekly summer concert—bring a chair and enjoy live music
Waverley Park – Waverley Street
6:30 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREEJuly 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 29

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

Tai Chi in the Park
Gentle public tai chi session by the water
Marina Park – Water Street
7:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE

Lies & Legends – The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin
Outdoor concert featuring the music and stories of Harry Chapin
Magnus Theatre Outdoor Stage – 10 Algoma Street South
7:30 pm–~9:00 pm
$ FREE

July 30

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

Stellar Science with Science North
Interactive science activities for kids hosted by Science North
County Park Library – 1010 Dawson Road (Unit 108)
1:00 pm–2:30 pm
$ FREE

Live on the Waterfront Concert Series
Free live music by the Bay—Wednesdays through summer
Marina Park – Festival Area, Water Street
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

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

July 31

Thursday Night Group Run
Community 5 km run/walk around Boulevard Lake
Meet at Rita Street parking lot, Boulevard Lake
6:00 pm
$ FREE

Summer in the Parking Lot – “Junior & the Bifocals”
All-ages live music outdoors at Superior Inn
Superior Inn Hotel – 555 West Arthur Street
6:00 pm
 $7–$20 (ticket)

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

Lies & Legends – The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin
Outdoor theatrical concert featuring the music & stories of Harry Chapin
Magnus Theatre Outdoor Stage – 10 Algoma Street South
7:30 pm–~9:00 pm
$ FREE

August 1

Water Circus Platinum (Cirque Italia)
Grand European-style aquatic circus under the big top
Intercity Shopping Centre Parking Lot – 1000 Fort William Road
Multiple showtimes throughout the weekend: Aug 1–4
$ Ticketed (prices vary by seating)

Live on the Waterfront Concert Series
Free summer concert series by the harbour
Marina Park – Water Street
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

Jazz & Old‑Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Smooth jazz paired with cocktails at Anchor & Ore
Anchor & Ore – 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

DJ Ducktail at Woodside Bar
Evening dance set with DJ Ducktail
Woodside Bar – Red River Road
From 6:00 pm onward (likely 19+ event)
$ 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.