Ready to feel old? It might be time to check for grey hairs, because the Class of 2040 is set to enter kindergarten.
Lakehead Public Schools is inviting their newest students and their families to a Kindergarten Information Session tonight at 5:30.
The event will be held at Elsie MacGill Public School, with games and refreshments available for the little ones.
School administrators and community partners will be in attendance.
The family of Kevin Mamakwa say they are unable to continue the inquest into his death due to a recent family tragedy.
The inquest was scheduled for Monday, but has been postponed to a later date.
Kevin Mamakwa died in June of 2020 while situated at the District Jail.
“It was necessary to temporarily postpone these proceedings, but this does not lessen our resolve to get the answers we need,” said the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Executive Council and Jonathan Mamakwa, Kevin’s father, in a press release Tuesday.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is investigating the cause of a blaze at an apartment building on Donald Street East.
A total of six pumpers, one ladder truck, and one command vehicle responded to the incident.
It was one of four calls they handled yesterday. Other minor fires were reported on North Vickers Street, Dease Street and Banning Street.
All fires were controlled successfully and no injuries were reported.
Local foster owners of cats and dogs are saying goodbye as their furry friends head to adoption centres in southern Ontario.
These animals fly in to Sioux Lookout from shelters across northwest Ontario, then they’re driven to Thunder Bay where volunteers open their homes until the Bark Bus was ready to depart.
“Thunder Bay can’t sustain this number of animals for adoptions,” said cat coordinator Sam Kannegiesser. “So we filter them down south to southern Ontario. These guys are going to humane societies, home-based rescues, foster-based rescues.”
She says that doesn’t make leaving any easier.
“It’s hard saying goodbye,” Kannegiesser said. “It’s very tearful. I’m saying goodbye to kittens I’ve had since November. But it’s amazing to watch them thrive in the south, and know that we opened up a spot for another one in the north.”
This operation happens around once a month. It’s run by Northern Reach Animal Rescue, who say volunteers are needed at all levels.
“Everybody here is a volunteer,” said President Amie Kempe. “Everybody is here out of the goodness of their hearts to do what they can for animals in need.”
Those interested in volunteering can apply on the Northern Reach website.
The province of Ontario is investing nearly $10 million towards maintenance and inspection of Thunder Bay’s watermains, MPP Kevin Holland announced today.
“This investment will help ensure residents in Thunder Bay continue to have access to safe, reliable drinking water while supporting local growth and development,” Holland said.
This funding is a part of Ontario’s $220 billion capital plan, described as the most ambitious in the province’s history. The goal is to build transit, highways, hospitals, schools and water infrastructure that enables new housing.
“(Thunder Bay) met the criteria of the program, and they’re successful applicants, so we’re really excited for them,” Holland said.
Director of Environment Michelle Warywoda says the city will use the funds to renew outdated pipes and complete routine assessments.
“This is part of our capital plans to renew our assets,” Warywoda said. “It’s really important that we do have this work done as part of our planning process and making sure that we do have our (water) mains in good shape for years to come.”
As the city of Toronto digs out from the snowiest day on record, flights to and from the Thunder Bay airport are being impacted.
Three departing flights and two arrival flights to and from Toronto were cancelled today. More information is available at the Thunder Bay Airport website.
Toronto-Pearson Airport received over 46 cm of snow, surpassing its previous record of 39.
The city of Toronto is declaring a Major Weather Event, and has activated its snow response initiative.
A pilot project to help immigrant workers stay in Thunder Bay is one year old, and reports are positive.
The Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) says that 175 employers had candidates receive recommendation for permanent residence through their Rural Immigration Pilot.
CEO Jamie Taylor says that despite federal limits on immigrants, Canada still realizes the need for an influx of skilled workers in smaller communities.
“We do have labour shortages in key sectors that are not able to be filled from our community,” Taylor said. “This is a way that we can ensure that we continue to have growth in our community and employers can find the staff they need to be successful.”
The commission prioritizes sectors hit hardest by labour shortages, such as health care, social work and the trades. They work with employers in these sectors to submit letters recommending immigrant workers for permanent residence.
Taylor says the first year of the project has been a success.
“We haven’t been affected (by immigration policy) in terms of how many candidates we’re able to provide recommendations for. We just hope that it’ll continue in that direction.” Taylor said.
She acknowledges that this announcement may come at an awkward time considering the layoffs at Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper this week, but she says the commissions focus remains on on industries facing workforce gaps.
“There’s still a need for immigration because it’s about the types of positions that we’re filling,” Taylor said. “Largely it’s in the health sector. So it’s not affected by the recent layoffs.”
Thunder Bay’s final city operating budget meeting is scheduled for January 28. The proposed property tax increase is still over council’s target of 2.6%.
The budget was first proposed January 16. City council met Thursday night for the first round of deliberations.
As it stands now, the property tax increase is 4.0%.
City council says its expenses have met the threshold, but agencies, boards and committees outside of their control are to blame for the discrepancy.
“If you have to save your money, you do,” mayor Ken Boshcoff said. “We all got to get through this together. So we need every board and agency to say: if the city of Thunder Bay itself can hold the line, then why can’t we?”
Boshcoff mentioned that marketing and public relations staffing are areas that boards and committees can reduce spending.
“I will say to each and every (board and committee) that they have to do better next year,” Boshcoff said. “If your child wants a larger allowance and you can’t afford it, you just don’t keep giving it to them.”
Indigenous leaders and chiefs from across Thunder Bay gathered Wednesday to honor the life of a late Ginoogaming chief with the newly named Celia Echum Innovation Room.
Echum was re-elected as Chief seven times and served until her death in May 2020.
Speakers referenced her guidance and commitment as instrumental to the creation of the Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS) centre, which hosted the event.
“In recognition of her enduring legacy, the Innovation Room is dedicated in her memory,” said David Neegan, Executive Director of KKETS. “(It’s) a space for reflection, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions that embody her belief in empowering First Nations people.”
According to Neegan, KKETS is the first known integrated model of evidence-informed wellness strategy supporting First Nations across Canada.
The gathering was also an opportunity to speak on the future of KKETS and Indigenous communities in Thunder Bay.
“What we’ll be doing is working with your community members in terms of getting their Red Seals, and also train those individuals for project management so you can start building your own homes,” Neegan said.
“We should be located right directly in the communities, working for you so that we experience what you experience every single day.”
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation will receive a boost this Super Bowl Sunday after partnering with a local catering company making their debut in the community,
Gusterra Catering is organizing their first event to introduce themselves to Thunder Bay, serving Game Day Platters of sliders, sandwiches, wings, nachos and more.
“We’re donating $25 for the small, $35 for the large size platter,” Gusterra founder Beckham Thompson said. “We’re hoping to raise around $3,000.”
“We’re just hoping to raise some money and raise awareness of the good work that they’re doing there.”
Thompson plans to partner with the Regional Food Distribution Centre for a Valentine’s Day event next.