ISSUE #123

Good morning,

Quick correct last week - I said the international run was at Centennial, it’s actually at Boulevard - my apologies!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Highschool binge drinking & vaping an issue

• Daily Poll - Are you concerned? 

• Water and dignity  

• Drug bust

• Climbers rescue dog

• Encampment quagmire continues

• Bear steals food

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Former Silver Mountain Station! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Local

High school binge drinking, vaping twice as common in region than province: study

The Northwestern Health Unit’s latest student health survey paints a worrisome picture: among high school respondents (mostly ages 14–17), self-reported binge drinking in the past 30 days was 27% versus 13% across Ontario; cannabis use was 22% versus 15%; and vaping/e-cigarette use was 22% versus 11%.

Officials stress these higher-than-provincial rates are not new but remain concerning. This year’s report, completed with eight schools and a 57% response rate, also highlights gender differences, with girls reporting higher substance use and poorer self-rated mental health than boys.

There are some brighter notes: compared to 2022–23, regional rates for binge drinking, cannabis and vaping have declined, and 59% of students met national sleep guidelines (8–10 hours), outpacing the Ontario average of 51%.

The health unit says the annual survey—conducted with school boards and the University of Waterloo’s COMPASS study—helps youth-serving organizations plan evidence-based prevention and supports, though staff caution that multiple factors, including rural service gaps, influence the region’s numbers.

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).

Charity

Local outreach project delivers water along with dignity

“I Was Thirsty,” a volunteer initiative founded by retired Thunder Bay police officer Lorne Clifford, has delivered nearly 14,000 bottles of water across seven encampments since July 5, covering more than 2,300 kilometres.

Beyond hydration, the project aims to restore dignity through conversation and simple human connection—asking names, listening to stories, and returning where welcomed.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church manages donations via CanadaHelps, ensuring transparent stewardship as volunteers purchase and distribute cases of water. For safety, the team avoids certain encampments (e.g., those with large dogs or deep-bush sites) and relies on visibility—safety vests, marked vehicle placards—to build trust.

Clifford says the effort was inspired by witnessing local water insecurity that echoed challenges he saw in past work overseas, and he hopes the group’s website provides a template other communities can adapt.

While this summer’s phase wraps up at week’s end, planning for next year is already underway.

Police

Three arrested in Shuniah during a drug bust

A traffic stop on Highway 11/17 in Shuniah led Thunder Bay OPP—assisted by canine and community street crime units—to seize nearly $3,000 in cash and suspected illegal substances, including 407 grams of cocaine.

Three males, ages 20, 34 and 41, from London, Mississauga and North York, face drug- and weapons-related charges plus possession of property obtained by crime. Two of the accused have been remanded into custody; all have future court dates.

Police encourage anyone with information on illicit drug activity to contact the OPP or submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers. The arrest underscores the OPP’s ongoing highway and street-level interdiction efforts targeting trafficking corridors through the Thunder Bay area.

Community

Vote to have city staff choose allowable encampment sites fails in a tie—again

Thunder Bay city council remains deadlocked over how to pick allowable tent-encampment locations.

A motion originally brought by Coun. Kristen Oliver—aimed at having council set criteria while delegating site selection to administration—failed for a second time on a tie vote at the Sept. 2 meeting.

Supporters included Oliver, Brian Hamilton (who sought the re-vote), Shelby Ch’ng, Kasey Etreni, Andrew Foulds and Greg Johnsen; opposed were Rajni Agarwal, Mark Bentz, Trevor Giertuga, Dominic Pasqualino, Albert Aiello and Michael Zussino. Mayor Ken Boshcoff was absent.

Administration will continue developing criteria and options, though staff noted they can’t identify sites until the shelter village location is settled.

Later, a move by Zussino to drop the Hillyard site was also stalled by a tie on a procedural vote; that debate is slated for Sept. 16. The discussion referenced previously rejected sites at Miles Street, Cumberland and Kam River Heritage Park, which staff suggested are unlikely to be suitable for designated encampments.

News

How Thunder Bay climbers rescued a hunter’s dog from a cliff

Three climbers from Thunder Bay sprang into action after a Tennessee hunter’s dog—Boomer—became stranded partway down a cliff and spent two nights on the ledge.

Using climbing gear and careful coordination, the group reached Boomer and brought him to safety, reuniting the pup with his relieved owner.

The rescuers highlighted practical takeaways for pet owners exploring rugged terrain: keep dogs leashed near drop-offs, consider harnesses for adventurous outings, and back away calmly if a dog scrambles into danger to avoid pushing it farther from safe footing.

The owner left northwestern Ontario with a newfound appreciation for the local climbing community’s skill and generosity.

It’s a tidy reminder that backcountry rescues often hinge on experienced volunteers who know the terrain—and that a few preventive steps can keep outdoor adventures with pets from turning into emergency calls.

Indigenous

Thin crust, thick fur: Bear burglar steals teen’s dinner

A Fort William First Nation family has a uniquely northern “porch pirate” story: a bear nabbed a teen’s pizza—then returned for the wings.

According to Ian Bannon, his 16-year-old granddaughter ordered dinner around 5 p.m. When the delivery driver left the food on the deck, a doorbell camera captured a medium-sized bear climbing the stairs, grabbing the pizza box and heading into the bush.

Moments later, the animal came back and scooped up the leftover wings before Bannon used a marine air horn to chase it off. Bears are commonly seen in the community, he said, but it’s rare to see them venture onto decks.

The incident, on Sept. 1, serves as a timely reminder to bring in food immediately and keep outdoor spaces clear of attractants—especially during late-summer foraging.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

September 5

Mayor’s Mulligan (PRO Kids Fundraiser)
City charity golf tournament presented by Enbridge
When: Shotgun start 11:30 am
Where: Strathcona Golf Course, 500 Hodder Ave
Cost/Age: Team registration required

Europa Super Circus (Two Shows)
International circus spectacular under the big top
When: 4:30–6:00 pm and 7:30–9:00 pm
Where: Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, 425 Northern Ave
Cost/Age: ~$18–$60, all ages

Family Fun Night Movie: Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Back-to-school family movie with popcorn
When: Doors 5:30 pm (until ~8:30 pm)
Where: North McIntyre Rec Centre, 2051 Government Rd
Cost/Age: Low-cost; registration required

Jazz & Old-Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Live jazz trio with cocktails at Anchor & Ore
When: 6:00–9:00 pm
Where: Anchor & Ore (Delta Hotels), 2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy
Cost/Age: Restaurant reservations recommended

The Green Mandolin (Urban Abbey)
Evening of Celtic mandolin music & song (fundraiser)
When: 7:00–9:00 pm
Where: Urban Abbey, 308 Red River Rd
Cost/Age: $20 adults; kids under 12 free

Bar Polonia – Fridays Live Music
Weekly live band night in the Polish Combatants’ hall
When: 8:00–11:00 pm
Where: 209 N. Cumberland St
Cost/Age: $10 cover; all welcome

Live Band Karaoke – Red Lion Smokehouse
Front a real band and sing your favourites
When: 9:00 pm
Where: Red Lion Smokehouse, 16 Cumberland St S
Cost/Age: Venue cover may apply; 19+ after 9 pm

Back to the Pub – Night 2
Local rock showcase continues (four bands)
When: Doors 9:00 pm; first set 10:00 pm
Where: Black Pirates Pub, 215 Red River Rd
Cost/Age: $10; 19+

Hard Copy (Live at The Wayland)
Late-night cover band set in Westfort
When: 10:00 pm
Where: Wayland Bar & Grill, 1019 Gore St W
Cost/Age: $5; 19+

Neon Wild Party – Welcome Back Concert (Johnny Rivex)
Country-EDM campus party with glowsticks
When: 9:00 pm–2:00 am
Where: The Outpost (Lakehead U), 955 Oliver Rd

September 6

Wake the Giant Music Festival (Headliners: Black Eyed Peas, Prozzäk, more)
Inclusive waterfront festival with main stage, Indigenous craft market & food vendors.
When: Gates 11:00 am (music through evening)
Where: Marina Park / Waterfront (Sleeping Giant Pkwy)
Cost/Age: Ticketed; all ages

Europa Super Circus (Multiple Shows)
Touring big-top circus featuring aerialists, tight-wire & FMX “Wheel of Death.”When: 1:30–3:00 pm, 4:30–6:00 pm, 7:30–9:00 pm
Where: Under the Big Top — Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, 425 Northern Ave
Cost/Age: ~$18–$60; all ages

Consortium Aurora Borealis: “A Cello Celebration!” (Classical Concert)
All-Italian program with cellists Peter Cosbey & Marc Palmquist.
When: 7:30–9:30 pm (doors 7:00 pm)
Where: St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley St
Cost/Age: $25 adults / $15 students; 11 & under free

Vinyl Saturdays — Red Lion Smokehouse
Afternoon/evening vinyl session in the restaurant bar.
When: 3:00–9:00 pm
Where: Red Lion Smokehouse, 16 Cumberland St S
Cost/Age: Free entry; all ages until 9 pm

Patio Latin Party — On The Links
Latin night outdoors with salsa, bachata, merengue & more.
When: 9:00 pm–1:00 am
Where: On The Links, 1181 Golf Links Rd
Cost/Age: Tickets from ~$12; 19+

Back to the Pub — Night 3 (Local Rock Showcase)
Final night of the 3-night series (four bands).
When: Doors 9:00 pm; first set 10:00 pm
Where: Black Pirates Pub, 215 Red River Rd
Cost/Age: $10; 19+

September 7

Take It In Strides Run (5K/10K & 3K Walk)
Community run/walk for suicide-prevention awareness & fundraising.
When: Check-in 8:30 am; run/walk starts 9:30 am
Where: Boulevard Lake (main stage area), 400 Lyon Blvd W
Cost/Age: Registration required; all ages

West Thunder 9th Annual Corn Roast & Vendors Market
Family-friendly community corn roast with 20+ vendors, live entertainment & activities.
When: 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Where: West Thunder Community Centre, 915 Edward St S
Cost/Age: Free; all ages

Family Art Days (Thunder Bay Art Gallery)
Drop-in, hands-on art making for all ages.
When: 1:00–4:00 pm
Where: Thunder Bay Art Gallery, 1080 Keewatin St
Cost/Age: Free; all ages

Europa Super Circus — Final Day (Two Shows)
Touring big-top circus with aerialists, tight-wire & FMX “Wheel of Death.”
When: 1:30–3:00 pm & 4:30–6:00 pm
Where: Under the Big Top — Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, 425 Northern Ave
Cost/Age: Ticketed; all ages

Female Boarder Collective — Sunday Skate Session
Inclusive skate morning; instruction & gear available.
When: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Where: Cinema 5 Skatepark (indoors)
Cost/Age: $5 donation suggested; all ages

Home of the Day

3065 Hwy 588.

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

3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
2,569 sqft

$699,900

Former Silver Mountain Station for sale!