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GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 9-7-25

GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 9-7-25

Estimated read time: 10 minutes

Thunder Bay Digest
July 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

ISSUE #104

Good morning,

I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

In today’s issue, we cover:

Nuclear waste protest ⚛
Daily Poll - Are you ok with where it’s buried?
Tbay heart medication recalls 💊
Another big drug bust 👮
Ontario pushing for police recruiting
Forest fire update 🔥🔥
Clean energy projects
Things to do this week 🗓️
House of the day - $3M homel! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Energy

Nuclear Free Anishinaabe Aki Rally Stand Up at Waverley Park

On July 4, around 400 supporters — including folks from Grassy Narrows and Fort William First Nation — gathered at Waverley Park in Thunder Bay to protest the proposed transportation and burial of nuclear waste in Treaty 3 territory.

Branded "Nuclear Waste Free Anishinaabe Aki," the rally was organized by local Indigenous groups and their allies to make a loud show of resistance against the project.

The message was clear: this isn’t our land’s future, and we’re not okay with radioactive cargo rolling through.

Organizers emphasized their commitment to protecting traditional territories, water, air, and ancestral ways from long‑term environmental harm.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Are you ok with the nuclear waste site location?

Monday’s Results:

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

Health

Heart Medication Recall Hits Thunder Bay Pharmacies

A lot of NRA‑Amlodipine 5 mg tablets, a common medication for high blood pressure and chest pain, is being recalled across Thunder Bay following a mix‑up on July 7.

Health Canada and Nora Pharma flagged that some bottles might actually contain metoprolol succinate 12.5 mg — a totally different drug.

The tablets are described as white or off‑white, octagonal with ‘210’ and ‘5’ markings. If you're taking this med, double‑check with your pharmacist to see if your lot # matches the recalled batch.

Even though it’s not life‑threatening, taking the wrong medication is a hassle you definitely don’t need. Pharmacies are notifying customers, and if you've got a bottle at home, swapping it out is a quick fix.

Crime

Three Arrested in Thunder Bay Cocaine & Fentanyl Bust

Thunder Bay Police, teaming up with the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, raided a couple of homes and a vehicle — leading to the arrest of three individuals from Mishkeegogamang First Nation on July 7.

They unloaded a significant haul of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, coordinated by the Nishnawbe‑Aski Police Service.

While specific seizure amounts weren’t detailed, this crackdown upstream of drug‑trafficking networks is a big deal. The operation aligns with broader efforts to cut off substances driving overdose rates in Northwestern Ontario.

The arrests are a win for law enforcement, but the community impact — notably on Indigenous families — goes deeper.

Jobs

“Answer The Call”: Ontario Police Launch Recruitment Push

On July 7, Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and local police leaders rolled out a major recruitment campaign called "Answer The Call," aiming to tackle a province‑wide officer shortage.

With TBPS and dozens of other services taking part, the campaign invites residents to join policing — even folks who’ve only ever considered it. Kerzner mentioned that graduates have jumped from about 1,200 in 2022 to over 2,100 today, but more bodies are still needed on the beat.

It's a friendly nudge toward law enforcement careers at a time when public safety infrastructure is pinched. The province hopes to attract recruits from all backgrounds, including Indigenous candidates, so police reflect the communities they protect. Applications are open — and Thunder Bay wants you to apply.

Forest Fire Update

Wildfire Update: 46 Active Blazes Across Northwest Ontario

On July 2, the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) confirmed a surge in fire activity across Northwestern Ontario — including 17 new wildfires recorded that day, bringing the regional total to 46 active blazes.

Several of these, while not directly in Thunder Bay, are close enough to impact air quality and spread risk.

Crews are spread thin, tackling fires around Cat Lake, Poplar Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations. With the heat turned up and dry conditions persisting, the fire hazard remains high. If you're outdoors, be alert: official burn bans and air quality advisories could hit TB anytime.

The key message? Stay informed via Ontario's fire maps, and be ready to shift plans if smoke or restrictions come rolling in.

Indigenous News

Canada Funds Indigenous Clean‑Energy Projects (Including Thunder Bay)

Canada is backing 13 Indigenous‑led clean‑energy projects through its Indigenous Leadership Fund under the Low Carbon Economy Fund — and Thunder Bay is on the list.

The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is set to receive up to $1 million to install an eco‑friendly heat pump system in its new building — reducing energy costs while bolstering sustainability.

Other initiatives include heat pumps in Sheshatshiu Innu homes. This funding is part of a nationwide push to empower Indigenous communities as environmental leaders. Expect greener buildings and local job opportunities in TB, with the added bonus of cutting carbon footprints.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

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