ISSUE #113

Good morning,

I hope everyone had a great long weekend! Sorry about the events section - got home late last night and haven’t had a chance (they take a long time to put together).

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Expressway and arterial projects ready to get rolling

• Daily Poll - Do you support the expansions?

• Police renew search for missing person 1 year later  

• 135 years of the CLE

• Hospital foundation teams up with Humane Society

• Three charged with stunt driving

• Summer festival celebrates 50 years

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Lake Superior custom built! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

News

Thunder Bay Expressway: Province Targets September RFP, But One City Project Comes First

The province plans to take its next formal step on the long-discussed Thunder Bay Expressway upgrade this fall. Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation says it will issue a Request for Proposals in September 2025 for the detailed design phase of the Thunder Bay Expressway Rehabilitation—advancing plans to expand/modernize Highway 11/17 through the city and replace signalized intersections with interchanges.

However, Thunder Bay–Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland cautions that construction won’t start until the Northwest Arterial Road—a proposed four-kilometre city connector between Dawson Road and Golf Links Road—moves ahead, stressing the arterial has to come first to coordinate traffic and safety once the expressway is divided.

Holland also flagged concerns about the city’s designated truck route and the added freight volumes expected on the corridor. The RFP marks the first concrete movement in years on a project initially floated more than a decade ago to improve safety and reduce congestion on the city’s key east-west spine.

Watch for the RFP posting in September as the design work is tendered.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Monday’s Results:

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

Police

One Year On: Police Renew Appeal in Disappearance of Richard Graham

A year after Richard Graham was last seen, Thunder Bay Police are renewing their appeal for tips.

Investigators say Graham was last confirmed on July 30, 2024, boarding a Thunder Bay Transit bus outside a business in the 500 block of Cumberland Street, heading south. It’s unclear where he got off.

Police shared a detailed description and clothing list and say both the Missing Persons Unit and Major Crimes Unit remain engaged. They’ve conducted searches, canvassed areas, interviewed acquaintances, and reviewed available video, but still need public help to trace movements after the bus ride.

A dedicated tip line (807-701-5377) is active, and Crime Stoppers tips remain anonymous. The renewed appeal underscores how even small details—dashcam video, a remembered sighting, an item found—can break a case.

If you were in the Cumberland corridor on the morning of July 30, 2024, or have relevant footage or information, detectives want to hear from you.

Activities

CLE Turns 135

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) returns Aug. 6–10 for its 135th year, promising more than 50 midway rides, a new stage lineup featuring cast members from Peppa Pig and Bluey, tribute bands, and a set by The Northern Pikes.

Organizers say there’s something for every age: cooking demos with local chefs, a petting zoo in the Heritage Building, and a historical display.

Thursday brings a special-needs day with complimentary tickets distributed through local agencies—part of roughly $50,000 in community support the fair provides.

Expect a fireworks finale at 11 p.m. on Sunday, and note new online ticketing is in place this year. Parking adjustments start Monday around the grounds, and during fair dates SilverCity access requires paying the combined $20 gate admission at CLE entrances.

Despite rising costs and volunteer demands, the fair’s team says keeping prices steady and partnerships strong is the goal—so families can enjoy the classic end-of-summer tradition without sticker shock. Details and schedules are available on the CLE website.

Animals

Hospital Foundation Teams With Humane Society for August Adoption Push

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is partnering with the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society for a special Dog Days of Summer twist: throughout August, the Foundation will spotlight adoptable pets across its platforms—weekly features for dogs beginning July 30, and a feline focus on Aug. 8 (International Cat Day).

The goal is simple: boost visibility and help animals find homes while keeping the community engaged with the Foundation’s fundraising efforts (including the August Thunder Bay 50/50).

Foundation CEO Glenn Craig says the campaign already draws huge community participation, and teaming up with the Humane Society “adds heart” by helping pets get seen by more potential adopters. The Humane Society echoes that the expanded reach can make a real difference.

Keep an eye on the Foundation’s social channels to share posts, help amplify the animals, and—if you’re ready—consider adopting.

News

Three Stunt-Driving Charges in One Night at Kakabeka Falls

Thunder Bay Police charged three drivers with stunt driving in a single evening through Kakabeka Falls.

On the 50 km/h stretch of Highway 11/17 in Oliver Paipoonge, officers clocked two tractor-trailers travelling at about 95 km/h—leading to stunt-driving charges for the drivers, plus extra counts for failing to maintain a daily log.

Police also charged the trucking company for permitting operation without electronic logging devices.

The third stunt charge involved a passenger vehicle allegedly radar-ed at 108 km/h through the same 50 zone. Under Ontario law, stunt-driving charges trigger an immediate 30-day licence suspension and 14-day vehicle impoundment, with significant fines and possible further penalties upon conviction.

Police say stepped-up enforcement reflects ongoing safety concerns in the village corridor, which mixes heavy freight traffic with local pedestrian and tourist activity near the falls and businesses.

Expect more speed enforcement as summer travel remains busy along the Trans-Canada route.

Indigenous News

Webequie’s Summer Festival Celebrates 50 Years

Webequie First Nation, about 540 km north of Thunder Bay, marked the 50th anniversary of its Neebin Odaminowin summer festival with a week-long celebration (July 28–Aug. 2).

Organizers call it a multigenerational gathering that blends concerts (including Big Wreck and tribute acts to AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard), nightly dances, games, relays, bingos, and a youth talent show.

Leaders say the festival grew from Treaty Day traditions into a regional draw, with 30+ flights bringing visitors home to reconnect. Accessibility is a priority—department teams coordinate events and ensure elders and people with mobility challenges can participate.

“It’s almost like a homecoming event,” said Coun. Eric Shewaybick, noting the festival helps lift spirits after recent community losses.

With households making room for returning friends and relatives, Chief Cornelius Wabasse says the week keeps “family unity” strong—celebrating summer and community resilience in equal measure.

Home of the Day

2015 Mountain Rd

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

3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
1,604 sqft

$475,900

Nor’Wester home with 2-car attached garage.