Thunder Bay is hosting another event to give residents a chance to provide feedback and discuss the city’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
The Community Safety and Well-Being Forum is taking place on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
“Our role is to help connect the dots, bringing people and organizations together to align efforts and take collective action,” said Vice Chair of the Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory Committee, Geoff Abthorpe. “The forum is an opportunity to share thoughts and feedback and strengthen the foundation for change.”
Community participation is an important step in shaping the next Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, which is a community-based plan built from local experiences, ideas, and priorities.
“The forum is about creating space for honest conversation and shared understanding,” said Manager, Community Safety & Well-Being, Louisa Costanzo. “It’s one way we can come together to listen, learn, and rebuild a sense of connection across our community.”
The forum will also feature the Respect and Safety Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that show model inclusion, respect, and care for others in Thunder Bay.
Residents are encouraged to attend the forum and complete the survey about the plan, which will be open until December 15.
More information about the event can be found by clicking here.
The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium launched its 40th season on Thursday with an anniversary event.
The celebration focused on venerating the building as an iconic Thunder Bay landmark, with a history that has embedded itself in the consciousness of performers, staff, and event-goers alike.
“Everybody has a memory here, whether it’s in a chair or on the stage, it doesn’t matter,” says Ted Vaillant, the artistic director for the Roy Coran Big Band.
Vaillant has a long history with the auditorium, going back to before its opening. He was part of an O Canada performance before the building had even finished construction, and has been in many performances at the venue since then.
Ted Vaillant, artistic director of the Roy Coran Big Band, at the Community Auditorium’s 40th anniversary. (Sam Goldstein, October 16, 2025)
Vaillant was one of several figures recognized at the anniversary event for their connection to the auditorium.
The Community Auditorium still has staff members who have worked at the venue for its entire 40-year run.
“Like they say, if you love what you do for a living, you never work a day in your life. And that’s how I feel,” remarks Rob “Sven” Jensen, head carpenter and stage manager for the auditorium.
Jensen has been at the auditorium since day one, as has Joe Szabo, the technical and lighting director for the venue.
The sons of both Jensen and Szabo have now joined their fathers in working at the auditorium.
“There’s nothing like working with your own family, teaching you on the trade that you got into, and they’re interested in it, which makes me proud,” says Jensen.
Sven Jensen, left, and Joe Szabo, right, at the 40th anniversary of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. (Sam Goldstein/October 16, 2025)
In keeping with the historical theme of the day, the anniversary event involved a dance number that attempted to recreate the first-ever performance at the auditorium.
The Community Auditorium’s first-ever performance was a mime dance by Fay Gleeson, who owns the Fay Gleeson Dance Centre. Meaghan Tofinetti, who teaches dance at the centre, choreographed a reimagining of the original performance as a chance to honour Gleeson.
Dancers with the Fay Gleeson Dance Centre perform at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium’s 40th anniversary. (Sam Goldstein, October 16, 2025)
Tofinetti says that when the building was first constructed, there were doubts that it could fill seats and justify its existence. “I think we’ve more than proved over the last 40 years that this building is not only sustainable, but it’s absolutely necessary for our community,” she says.
Meaghan Tofinetti speaks at the 40th anniversary of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. (Sam Goldstein/October 16, 2025)
The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium will be hosting a free Community Showcase on October 29 featuring Sara Kae, the Lockyer Boys, the Fay Gleeson Dance Centre, and All the Daze Productions.
There’s something extra special about a night out when you know you’re heading somewhere after, like slipping into a bit of magic before the main event.
That was the plan the other week. A rare, beautiful night where the stars aligned, sitter secured, outfits coordinated, and tickets in hand for a show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. But before the curtain rose, my husband and I treated ourselves to something just as important: a proper date night dinner at Lot 88.
Located just minutes from the Auditorium, Lot 88 has always been one of Thunder Bay’s go-to spots for a sleek, elevated dining experience. And with just enough time to indulge before the show, we made a little occasion out of it, cocktails and small plates, no rush, no stress, just time together.
As usual, I asked our server what drinks were stealing the spotlight lately. Without hesitation, he named two:
For martini lovers — the Sour Key-Tini
For cocktail fans — the Tropical Ice Tea
And because this was no ordinary Thursday night, I didn’t choose — I ordered both.
Sour Key-Tini: Candy with a grown-up twist
This one’s a conversation starter. It’s made with raspberry vodka, raspberry Sour Puss, apple Sour Puss, banana liqueur, and just enough lime and cranberry juice to keep it balanced. Shaken until icy cold, served in a martini glass, and topped with a dangling sour key candy — it was nostalgic, punchy, and a little bit cheeky.
One sip, and I was 10 years old again with a mouth full of sour candy… except this time, I was wearing nicer shoes and had somewhere fancy to be. It was bold, fun, and surprisingly sophisticated for such a playful drink.
Tropical Ice Tea: Smooth, sunny, and escape-worthy
In contrast, the Tropical Ice Tea was like a mini vacation before the show. A blend of vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry and pineapple juices — it was smooth, slightly fruity, and endlessly refreshing.
If the Sour Key-Tini was loud and bubbly, this one was calm and collected, like a quiet beach at golden hour. Just what I needed to melt away the busyness of the week.
Bites before the standing ovation
Since we didn’t want to fill up too much before the show, we opted for a trio of starters and honestly, they were a performance of their own.
The Little 88 Bocconcini Salad was crisp and fresh, a light beginning to the evening.
The Garlic Truffle Stuffed Mushrooms were melt-in-your-mouth rich.
And the Shaved Beef Mini Yorkies? I refused to share. I regret nothing.
Lot 88 delivered on every note ambience, flavour, and that subtle sense of occasion that makes a good night even better.
As we made our way to the Auditorium with full hearts and happy taste buds, I kept thinking about how these little moments, a toast before a show, a shared bite, a burst of sour followed by a sip of sunshine… these are the little moments we remember.
This week’s Sips & Sights was all about setting the stage: candy-shop martinis, tropical cocktails, and a reminder that the pre-show can be just as magical as the performance itself.
So if you’ve got plans to see a show, celebrate something, or just be together don’t skip the cocktails. Don’t skip the little moment.
Until next time —
Sip boldly, snack well, and always say yes to drinks before the show.
