News

Snowmobiling Off to Slow Start

This year has been another one to forget if you’re into sledding.

The extreme cold and lack of snow have left many of the areas trails unable to operate.

The trails are maintained by the Thunder Bay Adventure Trails Snowmobile Club. They said that in order for them to do proper grooming, the trails need at least 18 inches of snow.

Sadly we’re a long way from that.

In the Thunder Bay area proper there is maybe 3-4 inches. Out towards Shabaqua they are reporting 6-8 inches.

The club sells permits to riders to use the trail system, which the club maintains almost 400 kilometers of.

Even though they have managed to sell a little over 200 permits so far this year (a good number), the trail system really only has around 70-80 kilometers of trails open out towards the Shabaqua and Shebandowan areas.

I've said it before, and I’ll say it again, despite what some may like, but we need snow here in the north. It’s good for almost everyone!

Daily Poll

Do you like snowmobiling?

The results of Monday’s poll are:

• 46% of you said you’re unsure if the city is growing, it’s usually steady as she goes

• 32% of you said YES, things are moving in the right direction

• 12% of you said NO, things are going in the wrong direction

Today’s question:

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Tourism

Money For Winter Tourism

The city has received a boost for winter tourism from FedNor (see - some people do love winter!).

Late last week it was announced that FedNor would be giving the city $230,821 to invest in its winter tourism programming.

The city plans on using the investment to bolster its SnowDay on the Waterfront.

The event, famous for its snow sculptures, will be taking place on February 17 (Family Day) at Marina Park.

The event also has snowshoeing, skating, ice fishing and games.

Part of the money was also used to help with the hosting of the 2024 Winter Games.

Winter can be long, so the more there is to do, the better quite frankly! Being cooped up inside for 6 months of the year is no way to live if you can avoid it.

Thanks FedNor!

Police

Weapons Incident

You may have noticed a strong police presence on the north side of the city late last week.

Thunder Bay police responded to a weapons incident at an apartment complex at Andras Court on Cumberland Street after reports that a firearm had been discharged.

The Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, Primary Response Branch and Emergency Task Unit were all involved in the response.

No injuries were reported, but a 38 year-old male was taken into custody and charged with:

• Careless use of a firearm

• Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon

• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Possession of a weapon obtained by commission of offence

• Discharging firearm with intent

• Failure to comply with probation order

Business

Grain Elevators Swap Hands

Thunder Bay has 7 operating grain elevators in the port and 2 of them are about to come under new ownership.

The federal government has approved the merger of Viterra’s Canadian assets with global agri-business Bunge.

Part of those assets include the two elevators right here on our water front.

It wasn’t without controversy, however, as some western Canada farm groups wanted Bunge to sell its stake in G3, which is majority-owned by a Saudi investment company, prior to approving the deal.

The National Farmers Union is uneasy about it all because Bunge will now control 40% of the grain market, making it the biggest agricultural commodity trader in the world.

The farmers are worried they’ll start to squeeze their profits.

The good news for us?

Bunge has said the transaction will not result in any closures of Bunge or Viterra facilities in Canada.

Our 2 elevators sound safe for now.

Government

Kevin Holland Seeking Re-Election

Kevin Holland, our MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan, is seeking re-election in the upcoming provincial election.

The provincial PC party has announced that Holland has been official acclaimed as the candidate for the Thunder Bay-Atikokan riding.

Holland first took office in 2022, after serving as Mayor of Conmee for over 30 years.

Holland says his areas of focus will be increasing access to primary health care, enhancing emergency services and ensuring the region remains a leader in mining and forestry, among other things.

And with Doug Ford signaling he might call an election sooner rather than later, we could be seeing Holland and others on the campaign trail shortly.

Indigenous News

Ring of Fire Agreement Signed

Earlier this week the federal government announced that a roadmap for an environmental assessment agreement has been signed between it and 15 First Nations communities.

The Ring of Fire is located about 540 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay and is home to numerous rare earth minerals including chromite, cobalt, nickle and more.

The environmental assessment will review the proposed roads, transmission lines and future mine sites.

While a good step, the province has not yet indicated how it will respond as they are the ones ultimately responsible for road construction and decisions around mining claims, forestry, conservation, and other developments.

The waiting continues.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

Name That Tune
Trivia & beer
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
Jan 22 @ 7pm-9pm
$ FREE

Swing Dancing
Learn swing dancing with instructors
The Foundry
Jan 23 @ 7:30pm
$ FREE

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 23

• How at the Moon (sober karaoke)

• Norteños Cantina

• Polish Combatants’ Association - Branch 1

• The Waterhouse

• The Alley

Live@Loch Featuring Richard Veurink
Live music & skiing
Loch Lomond Ski Area
Jan 24 @ 8pm-10pm
$ FREE

30+ Friday Nights
Night club
Armani’s Night Club
Jan 24 @ 9pm
$ FREE

Rock the Post
Live music
The Outpost
Jan 24 @ 9pm
$10

The Cover Show 31
Live music with 10 bands over 2 nights
Black Pirates Pub
Jan 24-25 @ 9pm
$15

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 24

• The Bar

• The Waterhouse

• Norteños Cantina (karaoke contest)

Cambrian Players Improv Show
Live improv show
Cambrian Players
Jan 25 @ 7:30pm-9:30pm

Who Made Who: A Tribute to ACDC
Live music
eVents
Jan 25 @ 8pm
$TBA

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 25

• The Westfort Prosvita

• Norteños Taqueria

• Howl at the Moon (sober karaoke)

• The Social

• The Bar

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