ISSUE #94

Good morning,

We made it through another week, albeit a smokey one. I hope everyone is staying safe and out of the smoke (and obeying the fire ban!)

Stay safe!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Cruise season has started 🛳️

• Daily Poll - Do you like cruises??

• Air quality advisory - again 💨 

• Stunt driving charge laid on 527 👮‍♂️

• Indigenous Service Providers gathering 📅

• Pride moves south 🌈

• Indigenous youth transitional housing project starts

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Cadillac Circle 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Municipal

Cruise Season Begins on Lake Superior with Viking Octantis Arrival

The cruise season on Lake Superior commenced this week with the arrival of the Viking Octantis in Thunder Bay and Duluth. The ship’s itinerary includes stops at Silver Islet, McGarvey Shoal, Battle Island in Ontario, and the Soo Locks in Michigan.

Viking offers various Great Lakes cruises, such as the 15-day Great Lakes Collection from Toronto to Duluth and the 8-day Undiscovered Great Lakes from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee. Reduced fares are available until the end of June.

Other cruise lines, including Victory Cruise Lines and Pearl Seas Cruises, are also operating on Lake Superior this season, with itineraries featuring stops in Thunder Bay, Duluth, and Marquette. The influx of cruise ships is expected to boost local tourism and economy in the region.

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).

Environment

Special Air Quality Statement Issued for Thunder Bay

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Thunder Bay due to smoke from wildfires in central and western Canada. The advisory, released on June 5, 2025, warns residents of potential health risks associated with the deteriorating air quality.

The smoke has reduced visibility in the area, with ships barely visible in the Thunder Bay harbour. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly, are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed to minimize exposure.

The city continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to protect their health during this period of poor air quality.

Police

Thunder Bay Driver Charged with Stunt Driving on Highway 527

On June 3, 2025, a 58-year-old Thunder Bay man was charged with stunt driving after being clocked at 155 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Highway 527. The Ontario Provincial Police’s Traffic Incident Management Enforcement unit conducted the traffic stop at approximately 11:50 a.m.

The driver faces charges under the Highway Traffic Act for performing a stunt and speeding over 50 km/h above the posted limit. Consequently, his driver’s license has been suspended for 30 days, and his vehicle impounded for 14 days, as per Ontario’s stringent stunt driving laws.

Stunt driving in Ontario carries severe penalties, including fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, up to six demerit points, and potential jail time of up to six months. The OPP emphasizes that such high-risk driving behaviors are a leading cause of serious and fatal collisions on Ontario highways.

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 28, 2025.

Community

Thunder Bay Hosts Indigenous Service Providers Gathering

On June 4, 2025, Thunder Bay hosted the 4th Indigenous Service Providers Gathering at the Superior Inn. The event aimed to connect professionals, community members, and organizations to enhance awareness and access to Indigenous health and social services across the city and district.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with various service providers, learn about available programs, and build valuable connections. The gathering served as a platform to discuss challenges, share best practices, and foster collaboration among Indigenous service providers.

By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the event contributed to strengthening the network of support for Indigenous communities in Northwestern Ontario. Organizers emphasized the importance of such gatherings in promoting culturally appropriate services and addressing the unique needs of Indigenous populations.

Pride

Thunder Bay Pride Parade Moves to South Side for 2025

Thunder Bay’s annual Pride parade and festival are set to take place on the city’s south side for the first time, aiming to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. The event will commence at Patterson Park at 10 a.m., with the parade proceeding along Miles Street to McKellar Street, then along Victoria Avenue, culminating at the Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens.

Scotia Kauppi, chair of Thunder Pride, highlighted the importance of this relocation, emphasizing the need to protect and celebrate the rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community amidst increasing global hostility. The move to the south side, known for its flat terrain and proximity to public transit, aims to make the event more accessible to all participants.

The Friendship Gardens, a symbol of diversity and welcoming, were chosen as the festival’s endpoint to resonate with the community’s values of inclusivity. Organizers hope that this change will encourage broader participation and reinforce Thunder Bay’s commitment to equality and human rights.

Indigenous News

Court Hears Arguments in Historic Treaty Annuity Case

On June 4, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court in Thunder Bay heard arguments in a landmark treaty annuity case involving Gull Bay First Nation (Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek) and other First Nations under the Robinson-Superior Treaty. Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay First Nation expressed hope that Justice Patricia Hennessy would rule in favor of the First Nations’ position.

The case centers on the Crown’s promise in the 1850 treaty to share the wealth generated from the land with First Nations through annual payments. The plaintiffs argue that the annuity has not been adjusted to reflect the value of the resources extracted from their traditional territories.

A favorable ruling could set a precedent for how treaty obligations are interpreted and enforced in Canada, potentially leading to increased financial compensation for affected First Nations. The court’s decision is anticipated to have significant implications for Indigenous-Crown relations and resource revenue sharing.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

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

1411 Goods Rd

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

4+1 bedrooms
4 bathroom
2,721 sqft

$1,149,000

John St North sub district on a 2 acre lot.