ISSUE #95

Good morning,

Welcome to a new week! I hope everyone had a good weekend. Rain on a Sunday isn’t great, but we desperately needed it, so let’s not complain too much 😜

In today’s issue, we cover:

• HopeAir Day declared 🚁

• Daily Poll - Ever needed air ambulance?

• Smokey weekend - again 💨 

• Man tries to steal police cruiser 👮‍♂️

• Con-College graduation 🧑‍🎓

• Small Business Solutions Summit announced 📉

• Two spirit pride powwow

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Cadillac Circle 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Health Care

Thunder Bay Declares “Hope Air Day” to Support Medical Access

On June 6, Mayor Ken Boshcoff proclaimed “Hope Air Day” across Thunder Bay—an initiative recognizing Hope Air’s vital role in assisting remote and underserved Ontario residents access medical treatments by providing free flights. The proclamation highlights Hope Air’s mission to remove transportation barriers that often delay crucial care.

Hope Air has connected hundreds of patients and families in Northwestern Ontario with life-saving appointments in urban centres—something many couldn’t manage otherwise. The city’s official proclamation emphasized that “access to healthcare is a fundamental right,” and encouraged locals to acknowledge the charity’s volunteers and ongoing contributions.

Community members were invited to reflect on healthcare equity and consider supporting Hope Air’s mission. This solidarity day reinforces ongoing efforts to improve rural healthcare access and aligns with Thunder Bay’s broader commitment to social inclusivity and wellness. Cheers to a city that not only talks the talk but actively backs organizations making a real difference.

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).

Environment

Wildfire Smoke Returns to Thunder Bay, Air Quality Alert in Effect

Residents woke up on June 6 to a hazy view of the city skyline as smoke drifted in from wildfires to the west. Environment Canada issued a Special Air Quality Statement, warning of reduced visibility and health impacts, especially for those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

By late morning, smoke had reached downtown Thunder Bay, prompting advisories to limit outdoor exertion and keep windows closed. Weather services reported light winds and continued smoke infiltration—holding through the weekend.

Local authorities encouraged parents, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses to take extra precautions. Real-time updates were available via AirHealth.ca. While smoke conditions may ease with upcoming rain, residents were urged to remain informed and cautious—just another reminder that summer here doesn’t always mean sunshine.

Police

Man Arrested for Attempted Theft of Police Cruiser on Tupper Street

On the afternoon of June 5, Thunder Bay Police were conducting an investigation on Tupper Street when a 32-year-old man, identified as Jared Gesic, attempted to climb into an unmarked police cruiser and drive off. The officer on the scene immediately intervened, removing Gesic from the vehicle before he could start it.

A second officer arrived to assist in taking Gesic into custody. He was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with theft of a motor vehicle, assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, and failing to comply with a probation order. Judge remanded him during a June 6 bail hearing.

The police stress that interfering with their vehicles or operations is a serious crime and can jeopardize public safety. This bizarre incident highlights not just a rush of adrenaline but also the potential for grave consequences when interacting with law enforcement.

Community

Confederation College Celebrates Over 1,400 Graduates

On June 6, Thunder Bay’s Confederation College celebrated convocation at the Auditorium, honoring over 1,400 students earning certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. It was a momentous day filled with pride, applause, and promise for graduates entering the workforce.

Melissa Podnar, an Indigenous graduate from the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program, shared an emotional story about overcoming foster care challenges to achieve her diploma. She plans to continue working with Covenant House Toronto to support youth through harm-reduction services.

The commencement featured speeches by college officials and student leaders, as proud families and community members cheered. Whether entering fields like healthcare, trades, business, or education, these fresh graduates are equipped and energized to shape Thunder Bay and beyond.

Business

Thunder Bay Chamber Launches Small Business Solutions Summit

On June 5, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with seven local organizations, announced the Small Business Solutions Summit set for October 22, 2025. The event aims to empower regional entrepreneurs with practical strategies, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding resources.

Key partners include the Business Development Bank of Canada, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, Northern Ontario Angels, NOIC, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, CEDC, and Thunder Bay Ventures. Together, they plan workshops on marketing, finance, and business scaling tailored to the unique needs of Northern Ontario entrepreneurs.

Chamber President Charla Robinson noted, “Small businesses are the backbone of Thunder Bay—we’re committed to providing tools and connections that help them grow and thrive.” Organizers hope the summit will spark new collaborations and fuel economic development across the region.

Indigenous News

Thunder Bay Celebrates Two‑Spirit Pride Powwow

On June 7, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre hosted its Annual Two‑Spirit Pride Powwow, a joyous event celebrating Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Indigenous identities. This full-day gathering included drumming, dancing, and cultural sharing, held at the Centre’s Grandview Road location.

Attendees shared teachings on gender diversity, unity, and pride within Indigenous traditions. Organized by the Friendship Centre, the event aimed to honor all relations and foster a safe, inclusive space. Shuttle services from Silvercity made the powwow accessible to community members.

With the event set as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, organizers emphasized the importance of acknowledging Two-Spirit history and standing up against ongoing discrimination. Thunder Bay’s powwow shows how culture and identity can be celebrated together, weaving respect and vibrant representation into the community fabric.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

June 9

Alonza Bodden
Live comedy
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7:30pm
$40-$50

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs Eau Claire Express
Live baseball
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$15

Discovery Club
Self-guided exploration of STEAM
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
9:30am-7:30pm
$ FREE

Baby and Me Storytime at County Park
Drop in for finger play, bounces, stories and songs - best for babies from birth through 12 months
County Park Library - 1020 Dawson Rd, County Fair Plaza
11:15am-11:45
$ FREE

June 10

The Lion King Kids
Live theatrical adaption of the Disney classic
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

B!itches Be Funny: Women’s Open Mic Night
Women’s all inclusive open mic night
Red Lion Smokehouse - 16 Cumberland St S
9pm
$ TBD

Tuesday Group Run
Friendly running group for local runners of ALL fitness levels - 5km run
Rita Street Parking Lot - Boulevard Lake
6:30pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs Eau Claire Express
Live baseball
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$15

Tai Chi in the Park
Free tai chi session by the Peng You Tai Chi Quan Association
Marina Park - Water Street
7pm-8pm
$ FREE

Astronomy Club Meeting
Learn about the night sky with experts from the RASC
Fort William Historical Park - 1350 King Rd
7pm-10pm
$ FREE

Family Storytime
Practice early literacy skills with stories, songs, and rhymes
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
10am-11am
$ FREE

June 11

The Lion King Kids
Live theatrical adaption of the Disney classic
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

Le Cabaret Noir
Burlesque inspired show that is bold, unapologetic celebration of self-love, power, and pure baddie energy
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
8pm
$35

Pierogi Days
Pick up traditional polish food
Polish Combatant’s Association Branch 1 - 209 N Cumberland St
9am-4:30pm

Full Moon Bike Ride
Join local cyclists every full moon for a bike rid through the city
Superstore Parking Lot (by A&W) - Carrick St
6pm
$ FREE

Baby and Me Storytime
Drop-in for babies from birth through 12 months
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
1:30pm-2:30pm
$ FREE

Adulting 101 - Auto Maintenance
Interaction session on at the basics of automotive maintenance
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
6pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

Name That Tune - Father’s Day Edition
Live musical trivia
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co - 712 Macdonell St
7pm-9pm
$ FREE

June 12

The Lion King Kids
Live theatrical adaption of the Disney classic
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

Improv with Cambrian Players at The Foundry
Live improv with the Cambrian Players - possibility of mature language and suggestive content
The Foundry - 242 Red River Rd
7pm & 8pm
$10

Thursday Night Group Run
All fitness levels and speeds are welcome for a 5km run
Fresh Air Experience - 710 Balmoral St
6pm-7pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs St. Cloud Rox
Live baseball
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$15

Seniors’ Coffee Chat
Socialize, relax, meet new people for those 50+
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
10am-12pm
$ FREE

June 13

Mary Poppins Jr.
A musical based on the stories of P.L Travers & the Walt Disney film
Redwood Park Church - 2609 Redwood Ave E
7pm
$25

Le Cabaret Noir
Burlesque inspired show that is bold, unapologetic celebration of self-love, power, and pure baddie energy
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
8pm
$35

3rd Annual Cooking for Good
Charity BBQ in support of Evergreen United
Dominion Motors - 882 Copper Crescent
11am-3pm

Bar Polonia - Friday’s Live Music
Live music at the Polish Combatant’s Association
Polish Combatant’s Association - 209 Cumberland St N
8pm-10pm
$10 (at the door)

June 14

Motorcycle Ride for Dad
Bike ride & poker run to support local cancer care
The Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre - 555 Arthur St W
7:15am-3pm

4Paws Vendor Market
Puppy fundraiser
CLE - 425 Norther Ave
8am-1:30pm
$ FREE ADMISSION

Crossroad Music Summer Series 2025
Live music by local acts and musicians
632 City Road, Fort William Indian Reserve No. 52
2pm-8pm
$ FREE

Home of the Day

201 Caribou Cres

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

2+1 bedrooms
2 bathroom
1,228 sqft

$549,900

Corner lot in Parkdale