Sam Goldstein

Environment Canada warned residents in locations across the northwest on Monday to be wary of windy weather producing temperatures close to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

While the wind subsided on Monday afternoon, it is expected to pick up once more at night and on Tuesday morning.

Geoff Coulson, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, warns residents to dress warmly and layer up.

“When we’re dealing with windchill values of minus 40 or colder, there are dangers for exposed skin, and frostbite can occur in just a matter of minutes,” he cautions.

Coulson suggests limiting the time spent outdoors.

But for those who need to be outside, he advises going inside to warm up as frequently as possible.

Environment Canada has now removed its severe weather alert, but had advised the following locations to take caution:

• Red Lake – Ear Falls
• Sioux Lookout – Savant Lake
• Kenora – Grassy Narrows – Whitedog
• Dryden – Ignace
• Armstrong – Auden – Wabakimi Park
• Gull Bay – Black Sturgeon Lake
• Upsala – Raith

Coulson says another warning may come on Tuesday morning with similar conditions, and residents throughout the northwest may be in for “an even colder brand of air” coming Thursday, Friday, and into the weekend.

The federal government is granting $850,000 to 14 Indigenous-led projects in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund.

The new grant money is intended to help Indigenous communities improve their capacity to consult, coordinate with governments, and bring projects to fruition on their terms.

Minister for FedNor Patty Hajdu, who delivered the announcement on behalf of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson, says even when First Nations want to meaningfully participate in development, it can be challenging to execute.

She describes the situation as “like a chicken and an egg problem. How can you say you’re going to consult and engage and include First Nations if the capacity isn’t there to be able to do that?”

Hajdu, who served as the Minister for Indigenous Services in the last administration, believes that in order for Canada to build a better relationship with Indigenous communities going forward, the country must acknowledge that things can get done in “better, faster, safer” ways when everyone works together.

Among the projects to receive funding is the Greenstone Transmission Line, which is meant to bring higher-capacity electrical infrastructure to northern Ontario Indigenous communities.

Six communities, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, and the Red Rock Indian Band will each be receiving $50,000 to expand that aforementioned capacity for undertaking projects, which could help make the Greenstone project a reality.

Chief Paul Gladu of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation has advocated for cooperation between Indigenous communities in the region to make Ring of Fire developments happen.

“I never thought I’d see the day where we’re at right now, because at the time there was so much confusion, and not wanting to work together,” he remarks. “Now it’s a pleasure to sit in the same room with other chiefs, working on projects and moving forward.”

Ignace will be partnering with Bruno’s Contracting of Thunder Bay to build the township’s first subdivision.

The township Council approved the recommendation to select Bruno’s at a meeting on Monday.

With plans to establish a nuclear waste disposal site in Ignace, the town expects to see significant population growth as billions of dollars are directed towards the area.

The township put out a Negotiated Request for Proposals in the fall, and Bruno’s ultimately secured the winning submission.

The subdivision comprises 46 serviced and 215 unserviced residential parcels of land, as well as one 6.25-acre block intended for multi-unit residential dwellings.

The news comes as the nuclear waste project’s Initial Project Description undergoes its consultation period, where the public can weigh in.

The Federal New Democratic Party aired criticism of the consultation process for the Initial Project Description on Tuesday, arguing that the 1,200-page document is too long and too thorough for such a short consultation period, as the deadline for comment is February 4.

Francophone Catholic schools of the Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique des Aurores Boréales (CSDCAB) will soon be hosting information sessions for students and families considering a full French-language education.

Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the Francophone curriculum and ask questions of school staff.

Schools in Terrace Bay, Thunder Bay, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Geraldton, Marathon, Red Lake, and Ignace will all be hosting information sessions:

• École catholique Franco-Terrace: (Terrace Bay) January 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. 
• École secondaire catholique de La Vérendrye (Thunder Bay): Thursday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (for future Grade 7 and Grade 9 students) 
• École secondaire catholique des Satellites– Dryden and Sioux Lookout Campuses: January 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) 
• École catholique Franco-Supérieur (Thunder Bay): January 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 
• École St-Joseph (Geraldton): January 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. 
• École catholique Val-des-Bois (Marathon): January 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• École catholique de l’Enfant-Jésus (Dryden): February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 
• École catholique des Étoiles-du-Nord (Red Lake): February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 
• École Immaculée-Conception (Ignace): February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is asking residents to avoid the 400 block of Harold Street North due to a significant police presence in the area.

A representative from TBPS has now confirmed that the situation on Harold Street was in response to a weapons call.

Though officers continue to remain at the scene of the incident, TBPS is assuring that there is no threat to public safety.

This story may be updated if more information comes to light.