ISSUE #127

Good morning,

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Shelter or no shelter?

• Daily Poll - Should we drop it? 

• Pride makes a comeback  

• SUV arsonist caught

• Smaller communities get grants

• Animal wellness clinic

• FIghting for a seat at the table

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Country living! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

City Hall

Shelter Village or No Shelter Village? That is the Question

A Thunder Bay city councillor is proposing to hit the delete button on the city's plan for a temporary shelter village.

The village, which was intended to provide sleeping cabins for the city's unhoused population, has been in the works for a while, but the councillor believes there's a better way to tackle the issue of homelessness. With a new federal grant for affordable housing on the horizon, the councillor is advocating for a shift in focus from temporary sheds to permanent, supportive housing.

The idea is to lobby for a bigger piece of the federal pie and use it to build proper apartment buildings with all the bells and whistles, including indoor plumbing. However, not everyone is on board with this plan. Another councillor, whose ward would have been home to the shelter village, is concerned that scrapping the project would leave a gaping hole in the city's homelessness strategy.

He argues that the village is the cornerstone of the city's ten-point plan and that without it, they'd be back to the drawing board. He also points out that the city has already awarded contracts for the construction and operation of the village, and that pulling the plug now could damage the city's reputation.

It's a classic case of "damned if you do, damned if you don't." The fate of the shelter village now rests in the hands of city council, who will have to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and decide what's best for the city and its most vulnerable residents.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Friday’s Results:

You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).

Did you want to support Thunder Bay Digest because you just love it so much?

Or are you interested in:

• Creating your own poll for the readers to respond to? ($2)

• Having an event highlighted? ($5)

• Showcasing your house ($10)

• A full ad ($25)

Then click the coffee cup below to find out how and get in as soon as the next issue!

A HUGE shoutout to ROGER, for buying Thunder Bay Digest a coffee last issue! We appreciate you!

Local

Pride Makes a Fabulous Comeback in Thunder Bay

After a rain-soaked postponement in July, Thunder Bay's Pride festival made a triumphant and glitter-filled return on Saturday.

The "Rainbow Revival: the BIG GAY comeback" took over the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Coliseum, and it was everything a Pride festival should be: loud, proud, and full of love.

The event, which was rescheduled to coincide with 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month, featured a sidewalk march, vendors, live entertainment, and a whole lot of community spirit. It was a chance for people to come together, celebrate who they are, and show the world that Thunder Bay is a welcoming and inclusive city.

In a world where the news can often feel overwhelming and full of hate, the Pride festival was a much-needed dose of positivity and acceptance. It was a reminder that love is love, and that there's strength in unity.

The event was a testament to the resilience and spirit of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, who refused to let a little rain dampen their parade. And with an after-party at a local pub, the celebration continued long into the night. It was a day of joy, a day of pride, and a day to remember that no matter who you are or who you love, you are not alone.

Crime

Someone Really Didn't Want to Win a New SUV

In a bizarre turn of events, a woman has been charged with mischief after allegedly setting fire to a brand-new Toyota Rav 4 that was being raffled off at the Gateway Casino.

The SUV, which was valued at $40,000, was part of the OLG Play Ontario Giveaway, and it's safe to say that this is not the kind of "hot ticket" item they had in mind. The fire, which started in the vehicle, spread to the exterior of the casino, causing some damage to the building.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, although one person was treated on the scene by paramedics. The 46-year-old woman was arrested and charged with two counts of mischief over $5,000. She has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The motive for the alleged arson is still unknown, but one thing is for sure: this is one of the most unusual ways to try and win a car. Perhaps she was just really, really not a fan of Toyotas.

Community

A Helping Hand for the Little Guy

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation is spreading the love to the smaller communities in the district with a new funding stream called the Regional Community Support Fund.

The fund, which was made possible by an anonymous donor, is specifically designed to help out the little guys – the municipalities, charities, and community groups that are often overlooked when it comes to funding. The donor, who has a soft spot for the underdog, noticed that many of the smaller communities in the district were struggling to get the funding they needed for their projects. So, they decided to do something about it.

The fund will award three grants of $1,000 each to projects that are recreational, educational, cultural, or creative. It's a chance for the smaller communities to shine and to get the support they need to make their dreams a reality.

The application process is simple and straightforward, and the foundation is encouraging all eligible organizations to apply. The recipients of the first round of grants will be announced in mid-November, and the plan is to continue the fund on an annual basis.

It's a heartwarming story of generosity and community spirit, and it's a reminder that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.

Animals

A Paws-itively Wonderful Day for Pets in Need

It was a day of wagging tails and happy purrs in Naotkamegwanning First Nation on Saturday as the community hosted a first-of-its-kind animal wellness clinic.

The clinic, which was a partnership between several Indigenous communities and the Leo Project, provided free veterinary care to roughly 100 pets. From grooming and vaccinations to microchipping and health checks, the clinic offered a wide range of services to help keep the community's furry friends healthy and happy.

The event was a huge success, and it was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. In a region where access to veterinary care can be a challenge, the clinic was a much-needed resource for pet owners. I

t was a chance for them to get their pets the care they need, and it was a chance for the community to come together and show their love for their animal companions. The clinic was more than just about providing medical care; it was about building relationships, deepening trust, and supporting the long-term well-being of both animals and the people who love them.

Indigenous

A First Nation's Fight for a Seat at the Table

Marten Falls First Nation is taking a stand to ensure that any resource development in its traditional territory is done on a nation-to-nation basis.

The remote First Nation has filed a notice of claim against the federal and provincial governments over a series of hydroelectric dam diversion projects that were built in the 1940s and 50s without their consent. The projects, which irreversibly altered the water flows in their territory, have had a lasting impact on the community, and they are determined to not let history repeat itself.

With the Ring of Fire mineral development on the horizon, the First Nation is concerned that they will once again be left out of the equation. They are demanding a seat at the table and a say in how their resources are managed.

They are not just asking for a handout; they are asking for a partnership. They want to be treated as equals, and they want to ensure that any development in their territory benefits their community, not just the government and corporations.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

October 7

Bigfoot by Ephraim Ellis 
A theatrical production presented by Magnus Theatre. 
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Magnus Theatre, 10 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON

Open Mic Night at the Foundry 
A weekly event for local musicians and performers to showcase their talents. 
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON

Tech Help Tuesday 
Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your technology questions. 
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Waverley Resource Library, 285 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON

October 8

The Price is Right Live The live, non-televised stage show version of the classic game show. Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Dr, Thunder Bay, ON

Bigfoot by Ephraim Ellis A theatrical production presented by Magnus Theatre. Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Magnus Theatre, 10 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON

Thunder Bay Country Market A vibrant market featuring dozens of local farmers, producers, and artisans. Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Location: CLE Dove Building, 425 Northern Ave, Thunder Bay, ON

October 9

Bigfoot by Ephraim Ellis 
A theatrical production presented by Magnus Theatre. 
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Magnus Theatre, 10 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON

Karaoke Every Thursday 
A weekly karaoke night. 
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Bar Polonia, 209 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, ON

October 10

Bigfoot by Ephraim Ellis 
A theatrical production presented by Magnus Theatre. 
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Magnus Theatre, 10 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead Thunderwolves VS Laurier Golden Hawks 
The Thunderwolves men's hockey team faces off against the Golden Hawks. 
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Fort William Gardens, 901 Miles St E, Thunder Bay, ON

Bar Polonia - Fridays Live Music 
Enjoy live musical performances. 
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Bar Polonia, 209 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, ON

October 11

Thunder Bay Country Market 
A vibrant market featuring dozens of local farmers, producers, and artisans. 
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: CLE Dove Building, 425 Northern Ave, Thunder Bay, ON

Diwali Night 2025 Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. This is more than just a cultural festival – it’s a community gathering that fosters understanding, connection, and unity.
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 12:00 AM
Location: Moose Hall, 434 Fort William Rd, Thunder Bay, ON

Bigfoot by Ephraim Ellis 
A theatrical production presented by Magnus Theatre. 
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Magnus Theatre, 10 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead Thunderwolves VS Laurier Golden Hawks 
The second game of the weekend series between the Thunderwolves and the Golden Hawks. 
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Fort William Gardens, 901 Miles St E, Thunder Bay, ON

Home of the Day

2102 Hwy 591

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

3+1 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
1,462 sqft

$589,900

7.5 acres, 2 garages, outdoor sauna and more!