ISSUE #103

Good morning,

Welcome to another week. I hope you had a great weekend!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Art gallery getting ready to open 🖼

• Daily Poll - Fan of the gallery?

• SOS street van returns 🚐

• Hostage situation ends with no injuries 👮

• Border Cats win in extra innings ⚾️

• Crew member survives after falling overboard 🚢

• Film celebrates local

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - In town with a pool! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Culture

Thunder Bay Art Gallery Preps Waterfront Launch

Big things are blooming for Indigenous arts in Thunder Bay! The Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Northern Ontario’s largest for contemporary Indigenous art, is getting ready to open its new 37,500 sq ft waterfront space later in 2025  .

While much of the construction happened earlier, buzz ramped up in early July as galleries and curators prepared exhibitions and workshops.

With over 1,600 works—including icons like Norval Morrisseau and Daphne Odjig—this waterfront move isn’t just a new building; it’s a celebration of Indigenous creativity, community engagement, and cultural vibrancy in Thunder Bay  . Expect opening events, artist talks, and a grand, friendly showcase.

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).

Community

Healing Wheels Roll Out: SOS Street Van Returns with Indigenous Support

The beloved SOS Street Outreach Service van is officially back on the road as of July 4, cruising nightly from 6 p.m.–2 a.m. across Thunder Bay. After pausing in fall 2022, the mobile support initiative—funded by Shelter House, Lakehead Social Planning Council, and notably, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre—now offers crisis aid, snacks, emergency shelter rides, harm reduction kits, and supportive conversation to those in need  .

Executive Director Brendan Carlin explains that the van fills a vital service gap where “people in the bush or way up Arthur Street” need help—and may hesitate to seek it  . Staff report transporting nearly 1,000 people monthly before the pause. Now, they’ll be offering consistent nightly care, including transporting folks to hospitals or shelters, especially when trust in institutions is low  .

It’s more than a ride—it’s a message of care and inclusion, reaching out in a fun but meaningful way. Think of it as Thunder Bay’s nighttime lifeline, mixing compassion with wheels, snacks, and heartfelt chats.

Crime

Hostage Standoff Ends Calm and Collected

In what felt like a movie scene (but thankfully wasn’t), Thunder Bay’s north end saw a dramatic hostage standoff on Cumberland Street starting early July 4. Police and OPP responded around 8:30 a.m., quickly locking down the 100-block and advising residents to take a detour.

By 3:30 p.m., the hostage had walked out unharmed—cue sigh of relief. Negotiators and tactical teams worked in tandem for nearly 15 hours, with the suspect taken into custody just before 11 p.m.  .

Chief Darcy Fleury praised his teams for their “professionalism, courage and collaboration,” calling the outcome a peaceful win for Thunder Bay  . No injuries, no flashbangs—just serious teamwork.

Sports

Border Cats Roar in Extra-Inning Thriller

Saturday, July 5 brought baseball magic to Port Arthur Stadium as the Thunder Bay Border Cats triumphed over the Rochester Honkers in an 11-inning walk-off thriller: 4–3.

The stands buzzed as Dylan Snead delivered a clutch sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eleventh. Fans erupted, waves high-fived, mascots danced, and hot dog vendors got busier than ever!

This marks the Cats’ third straight win—momentum’s building, the stadium’s buzzing, and the double-play chants are back in full swing. Who’s ready for popcorn, beer, and baseball magic?

Transportation

Crew Member Survives After Going Overboard at Port

On July 3, a crew member from the cargo ship Kathy McKeil fell overboard in the Port of Thunder Bay—prompting a swift and coordinated response. According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), investigators were dispatched as soon as the incident was reported at 2:30 p.m. by port authorities; initial reports suggest weather and water conditions were stable with no major maritime traffic at the time  .

An official from the Port Authority confirmed the individual escaped serious harm and was brought safely aboard with only minor injuries.

The TSB’s mission now is to piece together exactly what happened—examining safety procedures, crew training, and environmental conditions. The Deputy Commissioner praised the port’s emergency protocols, saying they “worked as intended.” Investigators plan to issue preliminary observations in the coming weeks.

Indigenous News

“Remembering Richard Lyons” Film Debuts Online

A proud moment for Indigenous storytelling hit Thunder Bay on July 1, with the online premiere of “Remembering Richard Lyons,” a documentary celebrating the man credited with reintroducing powwow dancing to northwestern Ontario  .

Directed by Jim Hyder and brought to life by Boozhoo Productions, the film traces Lyons’s journey from Couchiching First Nation in 1969, where he founded the Lyons Dance Team.

This act revived cultural traditions once suppressed and sparked a grassroots resurgence of powwows. His legacy is captured vividly in personal interviews, archival footage, and heartfelt stories from family and community members. As Sterling Finlayson of the production says, “This is what we’re doing to preserve our own culture”  .

The documentary is freely available thanks to sponsorship from the Thunder Bay Museum. It isn’t just a film—it’s a celebration of resilience, culture, and the power of one individual to inspire a movement. A true community treasure!

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

July 7

Community Living Duck Hunt
City-wide scavenger hunt—find decorated ducks and share your pic!
Various locations, Thunder Bay
All day
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Youth Anglers Kids Fishing Tournament
Kids’ fishing contest hosted by North Country Cycle & Sports
Kaministiquia River – near 107th Ave
7:00 am–?
$ FREE / registration

Waverley Park Concert Series
Outdoor community concerts every Monday evening
Waverley Park – Waverley Street
6:30 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE 

July 8

Teddy Bears Picnic
Annual family-friendly picnic with crafts, activities & entertainment
Vickers Park – 1700 Arthur Street East
11:00 am–3:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering produce, baking & crafts
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E Memorial Ave
8:00 am–?
$ FREE

Jazzy Tuesdays With Mood Indigo
Smooth live jazz evening at a local venue
Sleeping Giant Parkway venue – 2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

Tuesday Group Run
Casual 5 km community run or walk around Boulevard Lake
Meet at Rita Street parking lot
6:30 pm–7:30 pm
$ FREE

Tai Chi in the Park
Outdoor public Tai Chi session by the lake
Marina Park – Water Street (Parking Lot)
7:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE

Park & Attraction Highlight (All-Day)

Chippewa Park Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, & beach access
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (train), rides 1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; individual ride fees apply

July 9

PIEROGI DAYS
Weekly pierogi festival offering homemade Polish pierogi, cabbage rolls, soups & more
Polish Combatants’ Association – 209 N Cumberland Street
9:00 am–4:30 pm
$ FREE

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Enjoy scenic rides on the Centennial Park miniature train
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50 pm)
$ FREE (ride ticketed)

Rock Painting at Toy Sense!
Creative rock-painting drop-in for kids (adult supervision required); includes café treats
Toy Sense – 447 May Street North
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
$ FREE

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Enjoy amusement rides, carousel, concessions & Lake Superior beach access
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm (Wednesdays–Sundays)
$ FREE entry; rides priced individually

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baking, crafts & more
Dove Building, CLE Grounds – 126 E. Memorial Ave
3:30 pm–6:30 pm
$ FREE

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar at Shooters Tavern
Live piano-bar entertainment every Wednesday night
Shooters Tavern – 377 Memorial Avenue
8:00 pm
$ FREE

Park & Café Highlight (All‑Day)

Wildwood Café @ Toy Sense
Grab a soda, iced latte, or snack while attending rock-painting
Location: Attached to Toy Sense – 447 May Street North
All day (especially during rock-paint session)
$ Prices vary

July 10

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Enjoy scenic rides on Centennial Park’s miniature train
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50 pm)
$ FREE (ride ticketed)

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Enjoy amusement rides, carousel, concessions & Lake Superior beach access
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides individually priced

Hot Air Balloon Rides at Northwood Playfield
Take a tethered hot air balloon ride — family-friendly and photo-worthy!
Northwood Playfield – James Street North (off Norah Street)
5:00 pm–7:00 pm
$ TBD (likely donation or ticketed)

Summer In The Parking Lot Concert Series – “Traveller”
All-ages live music featuring “Traveller” band in a lively outdoor setting
Superior Inn – 555 West Arthur Street
6:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm, show starts ~6:30 pm)
 $7–$20

Thursday Night Group Run
Casual community run/walk around Boulevard Lake — all paces welcome
Meet at Rita Street parking lot, Boulevard Lake
6:00 pm–7:00 pm
$ FREE

Folk Night at the Chippewa Park Pavilion (featuring Rodney Brown)
Evening folk music under the pavilion with Rodney Brown and ’60s folk songs
Chippewa Park Pavilion – 1735 City Road
7:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE

July 11

Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park
Historical reenactment celebrating the height of the fur trade era
Fort William Historical Park – 1350 King Road
10:00 am–5:00 pm
 $8.85–$10.62

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Scenic miniature train rides in the historic Centennial Park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50 pm)
$ FREE entry; ride ticketed separately

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, beach access, carousel, and food concessions
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides priced individually

Jazz & Old‑Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Relaxed live jazz paired with classic cocktail atmosphere
Anchor & Ore – 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE?

Darrin Rose: Comedy @ The Foundry
Stand‑up comedy with award-winning comedian Darrin Rose
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
Doors 6:00 pm; Show 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
 $30 advance / $40 at door

Bar Polonia – Fridays Live Music
Live music at the Polish Combatants’ Association—cover charge applies
Bar Polonia – 209 N Cumberland Street
8:00 pm–11:00 pm
 $10 cover

13th Anniversary Birthday Shakedown at The Foundry
The Foundry’s birthday celebration with DJ sets, drinks & giveaways
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm onward (19+ event)
$ FREE entry

July 12

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baking, crafts & more
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E Memorial Ave
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE

The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park
Historical festival celebrating fur-trade era with reenactments & crafts
Fort William Historical Park – 1350 King Road
10:00 am–5:00 pm
 $8.85–$10.62

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Scenic miniature train rides through Centennial Park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE entry; ride ticketed separately

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, carousel, beach access & food concessions
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides individually priced

Toonie Swim at Canada Games Complex
Budget-friendly family swim time at the city pool
Canada Games Complex – 100 Kelly Street
6:00 pm
 $2 swim

Thunder Bay Border Cats Game
Summer baseball game at Port Arthur Stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar St
6:35 pm
$ Ticketed

Darrin Rose: Comedy @ The Foundry
Stand-up comedy featuring Darrin Rose
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
Doors 6:00 pm; Show 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
 $30 advance / $40 door

Two Asians One Cup – Stand‑Up Comedy Tour
Comedy show from the “Two Asians One Cup” tour
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
8:00 pm–10:00 pm
$ TBD

Afro Vibe Fest 2025
Cultural festival featuring music, food, vendors & entertainment
Marina Park – Water Street
12:00 pm–12:00 am
$ Ticketed

July 13

Female Border Collective Skate
Inclusive community skate session for all skill levels
Cinema 5 Skatepark – 115 Cumberland Street North
10:00 am–12:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park
Final day of the fur-trade era reenactment festival with crafts and performances
Fort William Historical Park – 1350 King Road
10:00 am–5:00 pm
 $8.85–$10.62

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Scenic miniature train rides through the historic park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE entry; ride ticketed separately

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, carousel, beach access & food concessions
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides individually priced

Thunder Bay Border Cats Game
Summer baseball game at Port Arthur Stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar Street
1:35 pm
$ Ticketed

Home of the Day

164 Iris Cres

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

2+1 bedrooms
4 bathroom
1,850 sqft

$749,900

Soaring ceilings and an in ground pool!