ISSUE #121

Good morning,

Just a heads-up I am going to enjoy the full length of the long-weekend, so there won’t be a newsletter on Monday. Enjoy the last long weekend of summer everyone!

Also the comments in yesterday’s poll were LIT - check out the excel download if you want to see them.

In today’s issue, we cover:

• 25 years of gambling

• Daily Poll - Value? 

• Trail expansion funding  

• Park run comes to Tbay

• Kam River spill investigation

• Ignace nuclear waste guidance

• Smaller communities want in on immigration program

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Superior water front home! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Gambling

25 Years Ago Casino Gambling Arrived In Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is marking the casino’s silver anniversary: the doors first opened on Aug. 28, 2000 under the OLG, and operations transferred to Gateway Casinos in 2017.

General manager Sandie Delorme—who started as a full-time cashier—joins 35 co-workers celebrating 25 years on the job, reflecting a workplace that now supports about 185 employees.

Over the years, the property shifted from tokens to ticket-in/ticket-out systems and added electronic table games, keeping pace with industry tech. Gateway plans special promotions to mark the milestone. Since opening, the site has delivered $58 million to the City of Thunder Bay through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement, revenue the mayor says has backed local projects and non-profits.

Responsible-gambling supports are also front-and-centre: a new PlaySmart centre on the gaming floor is run with the Responsible Gambling Council, and the property holds RG Check accreditation; St. Joseph’s Care Group provides local counselling and treatment services.

Notable wins at the casino include a $317,000 table-games jackpot and a $187,000 slot payout—reminders that, for patrons, the entertainment sometimes comes with a very big finish.

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).

Recreation

Funding Approved For Recreational Trail Expansion

The Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association (NWORTA) has secured up to $10,000 in funding from Trans Canada Trail to support the expansion of the trail network between Nipigon and Atikokan.

The grant will specifically fund new trail construction and upgrades to the existing Shabaqua Trail near Kakabeka Falls. The project encompasses a 45 km corridor featuring a mix of new trail, reclaimed old roads, and existing footpaths, with the eastern trailhead anchored at Highway 590 and Sovereign Road near Kakabeka Falls.

NWORTA plans an 8 km extension toward Luckens Road in O’Connor Township, and a 2.5 km greenway to reduce pedestrian reliance on sections of Sovereign Road and Fleming Road. Len Day, NWORTA president, expressed excitement for the Kakabeka connection and gratitude toward O’Connor and Conmee Townships and Trans Canada Trail for their support.

While the funding covers 50% of the estimated costs, the remaining funds must be sourced locally. NWORTA is hopeful construction will begin pending additional approvals—municipal, funding partners, and a Ministry of Natural Resources work permit—targeted for completion later this year.

Exercise

International Parkrun Phenomenon Comes To Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay’s first parkrun—a free, weekly 5 km timed run open to all ages and fitness levels—takes off this Saturday at Centennial Park, part of a global network with 2 million weekly participants.

Organizer Kailey Lake says participants can jog, walk, or volunteer; there's no cost, no required registration, and timing is optional. The event starts at 9 a.m., and participants are encouraged to wear their barcode (or sign up in advance online) to log their result.

Parkrun aims to build community and promote healthy, accessible activity. Afterward, volunteers and runners gather for a coffee meetup. Future events will run every Saturday, with organizers hoping the initiative sparks local chapters in surrounding municipalities.

Environment

Environment Ministry Investigates Spill Into Kaministiquia River

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is responding to a diesel-related fuel spill near a Kaministiquia River tributary in Neebing, discovered on May 14 during a volunteer cleanup.

The ministry confirmed the presence of a refined petroleum hydrocarbon sheen over several hundred square meters of water. Crews collected surface samples to identify contamination and are investigating potential sources.

Fire department and conservation authority partners are assisting, and ministry staff are monitoring the site. Remediation plans—including in-situ or manual cleanup—will depend on further testing. Residents are advised to steer clear of the affected area along the banks.

Nuclear

Ignace Taps Expert Guidance In Nuclear Waste Decision Process

The Municipality of Ignace has hired Strategic Policy Economics (SPE) to assist with its emerging engagement in Ontario’s nuclear waste siting process, specifically as the NWMO assesses communities for a deep geological repository.

Council approved a $20,000 expenditure to secure local expertise in evaluating site selection implications, community consent frameworks, and economic impacts. According to Reeve Ron Nelson, the cost reflects the need for professional insight into a complex and technical decision that could shape the region’s economic and environmental future.

The funding comes from Ignace’s general operating reserves. The SPE contract enables community members to receive factual, locally grounded analysis to help inform their position—either for or against participation.

Immigration

Smaller Communities Want In On Rural Immigration Programming

Four Northwestern Ontario communities—Fort Frances, Kenora, Red Lake, and Dryden—have asked the province to extend Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) benefits to their regions, citing their status as critical points of entry with booming tourism and workforce needs.

Currently, only Fort Frances holds RNIP status. Local mayors stress that while settlement services and newcomers are helping drive local economies, the pilot’s structure doesn’t recognize extended service areas.

Mayors say expanding RNIP eligibility could help attract and retain workers in health care, trades, and resource sectors lagging behind. The province has not yet responded, but municipal leaders are hopeful the request will open RNIP’s positive impacts to other communities beyond gateway towns.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

August 30

Kakabeka Farmers Market
Local farmers and artisans offering seasonal produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts
4554 Hwy 11/17 (beside Kakabeka Legion, Kakabeka Falls)
9:30 am–12:30 pm
FREE

Crossroad Music Summer Series
Free all-ages concert showcasing regional musical talent in a garden-style venue
Crossroad Music – 632 City Road (Fort William First Nation)
2:00 pm–8:00 pm
FREE

Vinyl Saturdays at Red Lion Smokehouse
A relaxed afternoon of vinyl spinning and casual pub vibes
Red Lion Smokehouse – 16 Cumberland Street South
3:00 pm–9:00 pm
FREE

DJ Rogue at The Foundry
Nighttime DJ set in an industrial, warehouse-style venue—party into the night!
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm
FREE

Home of the Day

1943 Crystal Beach Ave.

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

5 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
2,180 sqft

$674,900

Lake Superior short front with 50 feet of sandy beach!