ISSUE #92

Good morning,

Made it to the weekend! Hopefully not too smokey this weekend - it was a pretty gritty one out there tonight before writing this.

Stay safe!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Fire ban spreads east 🧯

• Daily Poll - Fores fires concern you?  

• Welcome to 1995 traffic tech, TBay 🚦 

• 8 arrested in drug bust 👮‍♂️

• Road construction is here! 🚜

• Rally for injured workers 🤕

• Library appoints reconciliation officer

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Mount Forest bungalow l🏡

- Marcus Luft

Public Safety

Fire Restrictions Spread Eastward

Due to escalating wildfire risks, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) to include the City of Thunder Bay and areas to the east and north. Effective midnight on May 29, the RFZ now extends from its previous boundaries near Upsala and Quetico Park to encompass regions up to the Nipigon River.

Fire Information Officer Chris Marchand emphasized the necessity of this expansion, citing the continued high to extreme fire hazard across the northwest and significant fire activity affecting various communities. “This change reflects the continued high to extreme fire hazard across the northwest as well as the significant fire activity that is affecting various communities and is really engaging a lot of our resources at the moment,” Marchand stated.

Under the RFZ, all open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for cooking and warmth. Residents are urged to adhere to these restrictions to prevent further strain on firefighting resources.

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).

Traffic

Welcome to 1995, Thunder Bay Traffic Lights

Thunder Bay drivers can look forward to smoother commutes as the city plans to implement synchronized traffic signals along major corridors this summer. The initiative aims to reduce unnecessary stops and improve traffic flow on key east-west routes, including Arthur Street, Harbour Expressway, and Red River Road.

Matthew Miedema, the city’s director of engineering, explained that the new system will allow traffic lights to adjust in real-time based on traffic conditions. “The biggest difference is noting that the signals aren’t cycling unnecessarily when there are no vehicles there,” Miedema said. “Just as long as you go the speed limit, you’ll be able to go through maybe five lights in a ‘green wave.’”

The project, identified as a priority in Thunder Bay’s 2018 transportation master plan, is expected to not only ease congestion but also reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing stop-and-go traffic. While the initial rollout focuses on specific corridors, future phases will expand synchronization to additional routes, including Balmoral Street, Waterloo Street, Fort William Road, and Memorial Avenue.

Police

8 Arrested in Drug Sting

A joint investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police has resulted in the arrest of eight individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation. On May 27, officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11/17 east of Thunder Bay, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Subsequent search warrants executed at residences on Picton Avenue and Donald Street led to six additional arrests.

Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, a significant amount of Canadian currency, and drug trafficking-related paraphernalia. The accused face multiple charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code of Canada, including possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

All individuals appeared in court on May 28 and have been remanded into custody pending future court dates. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information related to drug trafficking activity to come forward.

Construction

Road Work Season Well Underway

Motorists in Thunder Bay should prepare for significant changes as major reconstruction projects commence on key arterial roads. Cumberland Street North, between McVicar Street and Howe Street, is currently closed to facilitate the capping and removal of an existing water main.

Brian Newman, a project engineer with the City of Thunder Bay, stated that the work involves installing a larger water main at McVicar Street and proceeding southward to Villa Street and Tupper Street for grading. “We’re going to keep the road closures more confined and tighter as opposed to shutting the whole block down,” Newman explained. “The intent here is to keep Cumberland shut down for the short term, just to get all the underground work done.”

By July, the city plans to close Cumberland Street up to Red River Road entirely, with Red River Road expected to reopen in the next two weeks. Motorists are advised to plan their travel accordingly and stay informed about ongoing construction updates.

Community

Thunder Bay Celebrates 43rd Annual Injured Workers’ Day with Community Rally

On May 29, 2025, Thunder Bay joined cities across Ontario in commemorating the 43rd Annual Injured Workers’ Day, marking the first time the event has been officially recognized by the Ontario Legislature following the passage of Bill 118 – The Injured Workers’ Day Act. The local rally, held at Waverley Park, brought together injured workers, advocates, and community members to honor the contributions of workers and to highlight ongoing challenges in the workers’ compensation system.

Speakers at the event addressed concerns such as the over $20 billion in WSIB employer rebates, restrictive policies that force injured workers into poverty, and harmful “deeming” practices that reduce compensation based on hypothetical employment. Advocates called for systemic reforms to ensure fair treatment and adequate support for all injured workers.

The rally featured personal testimonies, informational booths, and performances aimed at raising awareness and fostering solidarity. Organizers emphasized the importance of community engagement in advocating for policy changes that protect workers’ rights and well-being.

Thunder Bay’s participation in Injured Workers’ Day reflects the city’s commitment to social justice and the recognition of the vital role workers play in the community. By standing in solidarity with injured workers, the city continues to advocate for a more equitable and compassionate workers’ compensation system.

Indigenous News

Library Appoints Reconciliation Officer

The Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) has taken a significant step towards reconciliation by appointing Stephanie MacLaurin, a member of Fort William First Nation, as its new Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations. MacLaurin brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and cultural advocacy, aiming to bridge gaps between the library and Indigenous communities.

In her new role, MacLaurin will focus on integrating Indigenous perspectives into library services, programs, and policies. This includes developing culturally relevant programming, enhancing Indigenous collections, and fostering partnerships with local Indigenous organizations. Her appointment aligns with TBPL’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those related to education and public institutions.

MacLaurin expressed enthusiasm about her new position, stating, “I’m honored to serve in this role and look forward to working collaboratively to create inclusive spaces that reflect and respect Indigenous cultures and histories.” The library’s leadership echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous representation in shaping services that meet the diverse needs of the community.

This initiative is part of a broader movement within public institutions in Thunder Bay to acknowledge and address historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. By embedding Indigenous voices in decision-making processes, TBPL aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all patrons.

Home of the Day

2152 Southcliff Place

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

3+2 bedrooms
3 bathroom
1,680 sqft

$749,900

Mount Forest bungalow on a corner lot.