ISSUE #93

Good morning,

Things to Do is back! It’s very time intensive and I didn’t have a chance last week to finalize it. But it’s here now. Enjoy!

Stay safe!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Free parking has arrived 🅿️

• Daily Poll - Do you think its a good idea??

• Complex briefly closed due to smoke 💨 

• Teen arrested when truck flipped 👮‍♂️

• Police respond to over 1,000 calls in a week 🥵

• Citizens urge different truck route 🚛

• Indigenous youth transitional housing project starts

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Cadillac Circle 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Municipal

Free Parking Begins Across Thunder Bay

Attention, drivers: Thunder Bay just got a little more wallet-friendly. As of June 3, the city officially launched its new complimentary parking program, granting two hours of free on-street meter parking citywide and four free hours at the waterfront marina. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

The program comes after a City Council vote aimed at boosting foot traffic downtown and supporting small businesses that are still rebounding from recent economic disruptions. Keri Greaves, the city’s Commissioner of Corporate Services, said the city will use this pilot period to collect data on parking habits using the Passport Parking app.

While the city encourages app use for tracking, good old-fashioned coin meters are still in play, and enforcement officers will continue to mark tires to monitor overstays. In other words, it’s free—but don’t try to push your luck.

This move is part of a longer-term parking reform plan, with the free parking policy set to remain in place until a comprehensive new strategy is presented in 2027. City officials say they’re open to feedback from residents and businesses alike, and early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

Local shop owners say the free parking could be a game changer, making it easier for people to run errands, grab lunch, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll downtown without worrying about meter fees. With summer around the corner, the city hopes this new policy will encourage more outdoor activity, support local enterprise, and keep Thunder Bay feeling both accessible and inviting.

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).

Sports

Canada Games Complex Reopens After Smoke Shutdown

After a brief but unsettling closure due to smoke infiltration, Thunder Bay’s Canada Games Complex reopened its doors to the public on June 3. The closure, prompted by drifting wildfire smoke from surrounding regions, was a proactive measure taken by city officials to protect the health and safety of gym-goers and staff.

The facility, a beloved staple for fitness enthusiasts, was shuttered for several hours earlier in the day while crews evaluated air quality and ensured that the building’s ventilation systems were safe and functional. With the smell of smoke still lingering in the city, many residents were concerned about indoor air safety—especially in high-exertion environments like gyms and pools.

After a full inspection and an air systems flush, officials gave the green light to resume regular programming, including swimming, cardio classes, and weight room access. Patrons returning to the facility were advised to monitor public health guidance and remain aware of ongoing air quality advisories, which may fluctuate with changing wind patterns and active fire conditions in the region.

The brief shutdown is part of a broader pattern this wildfire season, with many public facilities across Ontario temporarily altering hours or services in response to smoke events. Thunder Bay, like many Northern communities, remains vulnerable to shifting air quality from distant fires—a climate reality that city planners say may shape future operational policies.

Still, many users expressed appreciation for the city’s caution, noting that health and safety come first. For now, it’s back to business as usual, with local swimmers and treadmill warriors reclaiming their routines—but with a watchful eye on the skies.

Police

Teen Arrested After Pickup Truck Flips at Current River Community Centre

An 18-year-old male is facing a laundry list of charges after an alcohol-fueled joyride ended in chaos at the Current River Community Centre on the evening of June 2. According to police, the young man was spotted by multiple witnesses driving erratically, veering off the road onto grassy areas, and even taking a spin across pedestrian walkways.

The drama came to a head just after 10 p.m., when the teen's pickup truck flipped onto its side. First responders arrived quickly on the scene, finding the overturned vehicle and a driver who, police say, showed clear signs of being impaired. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in the incident—a stroke of luck considering the circumstances.

The teen, a Thunder Bay resident whose name has not been released, now faces several charges including Operation While Impaired by Alcohol, Operation While Impaired with Blood Alcohol Concentration over 80, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Mischief Under $5,000 for damages caused to public property. The vehicle has been impounded, and the young driver has a court date in the coming weeks.

Police are using the event as a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. They stressed that while this crash ended without injury, the potential for harm was enormous. Parents and guardians are being urged to talk with young drivers about the real-life consequences of poor decisions behind the wheel.

This marks the latest in a string of impaired driving cases in Thunder Bay—an unfortunate trend authorities hope to reverse through increased education and public accountability.

EMS

Thunder Bay Police Respond to Over 1,000 Calls in One Week

Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) had their hands full during the week of May 26 to June 1, responding to a jaw-dropping 1,050 calls for service. While it may seem like a number you’d expect from a major metropolis, it’s a telling snapshot of the pressures our local officers face day in and day out.

Among the 1,050 calls, 216 were classified as Priority 1, which means they required an immediate police response to prevent harm or address ongoing danger. These are the most serious kinds of calls, and they test the speed and preparedness of emergency responders. The TBPS Communications Centre was also buzzing, handling over 4,750 communications, including 2,066 emergency 911 calls.

What kinds of issues were people dialing in about? The breakdown is sobering. There were 70 reports tied to intimate partner violence or family disputes, highlighting ongoing challenges in domestic safety. Add to that 66 motor vehicle collisions, 30 assaults, 14 weapons-related incidents, 8 robberies, 15 break-and-enters, and 49 incidents of theft or shoplifting. Each number represents a person affected, a team of responders called to action, and a community impacted.

Police say these stats underline the critical need for ongoing community support, better mental health and addiction services, and public awareness. They also reiterate the importance of reporting suspicious or criminal behavior promptly. Despite the high call volume, TBPS says officers are committed to maintaining a safe city and serving residents to the best of their ability.

Traffic

Thunder Bay Residents Urge Council to Reroute Heavy Truck Traffic

On June 2, 2025, Thunder Bay residents voiced strong concerns to city council regarding the heavy truck traffic on Dawson Road and Arthur Street West. The community is advocating for the implementation of a designated truck route (DTR) to divert large transport vehicles away from these busy urban corridors.

Local business owner Nikos Mantis, who operates Pinetree Catering and NOMAD, shared a harrowing experience where one of his employees was nearly struck by a transport truck during a delivery. “This was probably one of the most terrifying moments of my entire professional career,” Mantis stated, emphasizing the daily risks his 35 employees face while navigating these roads. 

Mantis highlighted the frequency of accidents involving transport trucks on these routes, particularly during winter months. “You can set your watch every time there’s a snowfall; every single time, there is a transport truck accident on that highway,” he noted, underscoring the urgency for rerouting heavy vehicles to safer, less congested areas.

The proposal under consideration involves redirecting cross-country transport trucks to Highway 11/17, thereby reducing the burden on Dawson Road and Arthur Street West. Residents believe this change will enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and local drivers, while also preserving the infrastructure of these urban roads.

City council is currently reviewing staff recommendations and community feedback on the proposed DTR. Further discussions and evaluations are expected in the coming weeks to determine the feasibility and implementation timeline of the rerouting plan.

Indigenous News

Indigenous Youth Transitional Housing Project Underway in Thunder Bay

A major step forward in addressing Indigenous youth homelessness in Thunder Bay is underway with the development of a transitional housing project tailored for urban Indigenous youth aged 18 to 29. The initiative is being spearheaded by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, in collaboration with the Métis Nation of Ontario.

The housing complex, which is slated for completion by January 2026, will offer not just shelter but comprehensive, culturally appropriate support. Services will include round-the-clock case management, mental health resources, wellness programs, and justice support—all within a culturally grounded framework that affirms identity and community belonging.

The goal is to bridge the critical gap that many Indigenous youth fall into after aging out of care or navigating unstable housing conditions. These young people often face intersecting challenges like addiction, intergenerational trauma, and discrimination in the housing and employment sectors. This new project hopes to create a stable foundation for personal growth, education, and employment.

What sets this initiative apart is its Indigenous-led model and holistic care approach. From on-site Elders to traditional healing practices, the environment is being designed to nurture not just housing security, but cultural resilience and pride.

City officials, community members, and leaders across Northwestern Ontario have praised the initiative as a much-needed response to systemic barriers. With construction progressing, it stands as a beacon of what’s possible when culturally informed care meets infrastructure investment. For Indigenous youth in Thunder Bay, it could mark the beginning of a more secure and empowered chapter.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

June 4

Name That Tune
Live musical trivia game
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co - 721 Macdonell St
7pm-9pm
$ FREE

Peirogi Day
Pick-up home-made pierogis, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, baked chicken, vegan beet soup and more
Polish Combatants’ Association Branch 1 - 209 N Cumberland St
9am-4:30pm
$$ Unknown

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs Duluth
Live baseball
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
11:05am
$30.10

Puppy Perks Storytime
Drop in for story time with puppies!
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
10am-11am
$ FREE

Blissful Beading
Drop-in after school and relax while you create beaded trinkets. Ages 4+
County Park Library - 1020 Dawson Rd
3pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

June 5

The 4th Annual FWFN Drag Show
FWFN Youth & Social Development Pride Month drag show
FWFN Gymnasium - 200 Mission Rd
6pm-8pm
$ FREE

Festival BONJOUR!
Centre francophone 3-day urban francophone festival
Magnus Theatre & Waverley Park - 10 Algoma St S
6pm-11pm
$15-$100

The Lion King Kids
Based on the broadway production
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

Thursday Group Run
Running group for ANY level of speed or fitness
Meet at Rita Street Parking Lot - Boulevard Lake Park
6:30pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

Thai Chi in the Park
Peng You Tai Chi Quan Association providing free Thai chi sessions
Marina Park
7:30am-8:30am
$ FREE

June 6

Festival BONJOUR!
Centre francophone 3-day urban francophone festival
Magnus Theatre & Waverley Park - 10 Algoma St S
6pm-11pm
$15-$100

Elvis Night at the Brewery
Featuring Nish King, the Elvis tribute artist!
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co - 712 MacDonell St
6:30pm
$15

The Lion King Kids
Based on the broadway production
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.
Disney theatre production featuring hits from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, Frozen and more - a celebration of 100 years of Disney Magic
Redwood Park Church - 2609 Redwood Ave E
7pm-8:30pm
$20

Luke Warm and Cold Ones
Live musical performance
The Foundry - 242 Red River Rd
10pm
$5 at the door

June 7

Festival BONJOUR!
Centre francophone 3-day urban francophone festival
Magnus Theatre & Waverley Park - 10 Algoma St S
8:30am-11pm
$15-$100

June Classic 5K and 10K
Thunder Bay Metre Eaters Signature Race Series at Boulevard Lake
Boulevard Lake - Rita Street parking lot
10am-12pm
$ (Registration closed to participate but you can watch and cheer for free!)

Grain Days 2025
Family event that provides fun and exploratory activities into our past and present Grain Industry
St. Jude’s School - 345 Ogden St
11am-4pm
$ FREE

Cornhole Tournament
Brewery champion will travel to compete in the Cornhole Tournament at the Sault Ste. Marie Festival of Beer on June 14
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co - 712 Macdonell St
2pm
$ FREE (registration required - call (807) 344-5225)

Crossroad Music Summer Series 2025
Live music from local acts and musicians
Fort William First Nation - 632 City Road
2pm-8pm
$ FREE

NoFilter Comedy Tour
Live comedy performance
Da Vinci Centre - 340 Waterloo St S
6pm-11pm
$25-$35

Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.
Disney theatre production featuring hits from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, Frozen and more - a celebration of 100 years of Disney Magic
Redwood Park Church - 2609 Redwood Ave E
7pm-8:30pm
$20

A Complete Unknown Too - Rodney Brown sings Dylan
Live music - Bob Dylan cover songs
Italian Cultural Centre - 132 Algoma St S
7:30pm-10:30pm
$30

June 8

Female Border Collective Skate
Come join other women and girls skateboarders
Cinema 5 Skatepark - 115 Cumberland Street N
10am-12pm
$ Unknown

Kite Festival
Flying kits, outdoor games, crafts and activities for all ages
Chippewa Park - 1735 City Road
11am-3pm
$ FREE

Alonzo Bodden
Live comedy
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7:30pm
$40-$50

Home of the Day

313 Cadillac Circle

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

3+1 bedrooms
3 bathroom
3,224 sqft

$899,900

Cadillac circle - doesn’t come up often.