TbayFromAfar

thumbs-up

899

202

thumbs-down

City recommends three designated encampment sites

TBNewsWatch

75

Peak Thunder Bay brilliance! After years of tie votes, surveys, delays, and 'overwhelming feedback,' we're blowing hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on fences, screens, and pallets to officially turn three parks into tent resorts.Remember when a councillor suggested planting pollinator gardens with bees and thorny bushes to gently discourage camping? We laughed that off... but now we're funding the deluxe version with city cash.Taxpayers, you're not just bankrolling the circus... you're the VIP suckers paying premium prices for managed chaos while bridges get delayed and real solutions collect dust.At this rate we'll need a $1 million consultant report next year titled 'Why the Tents Multiplied Anyway.' Keep those taxes flowing, heroes. The bees are busy, but the encampments are thriving.

4

GoFundMe page created for boy rescued from Widnall Pool

TBNewsWatch

52

If the Facebook posts and reports are true, I really hope those kids get charged for attempted murder.

6

'I had to fight': Runner speaks out on Boulevard Lake assault

TBNewsWatch

54

Rebecca, thank you for your incredible bravery in fighting back and for speaking out so courageously. What happened to you is terrifying... especially in broad daylight in a place so many people use every day. Your decision to share this story will undoubtedly help other women trust their instincts and stay safer.Huge respect and gratitude to the two St. Ignatius students who stopped and helped you - they are true heroes.This is a wake-up call for our community. We need more visible policing, better lighting, and real vigilance in our parks and trails. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, both physically and mentally. Thunder Bay stands with you. Stay strong.

1

Hajdu maintains seat at Liberal cabinet table

TBNewsWatch

41

Will do anything to keep her $300K/year salary for as long as possible!

8

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

TBNewsWatch

27

(Part 2)Why should Thunder Bay families - fcing 4%+ tax hikes, infrastructure deficits, high living costs, and out-migration - subsidize one of the highest councillor-to-population ratios while council members' private businesses potentially benefit from (or block) decisions made at the table? The “only wealthy people can afford to run” argument falls flat when we have dedicated people serving now, and higher pay won't fix representation... it just costs more and may attract those seeking influence over income.True public service involves sacrifice. Before locking in these massive raises that outpace what most taxpayers receive, council should demonstrate restraint: tighter budgets, measurable results, reduced council size, stronger conflict rules, and leadership that feels the same pressures as the residents paying their cheques.We deserve accountable governance on our dime... not an insulated group gradually professionalizing self-regulation.

7

Teen faces attempted murder charge in Northwood shooting

TBNewsWatch

27

Cases like this are exactly why many people have lost confidence in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. When someone young is facing charges as serious as attempted murder, it raises a bigger question than sympathy alone. A justice system still needs real accountability and deterrence, or it stops protecting both the public and the youth themselves. Reform is overdue.

LETTER: Council pay shouldn't rise more than union increases

TBNewsWatch

20

Well said, Gary Dennis.Council pay should be tied to union increases and actual performance - not automatic 9% compounded hikes that nearly double councillors’ salaries from ~$33k to ~$62k (mayor to ~$174k) by 2033.This is a part-time job in a city of ~110k–117k with an oversized 13-member council (mayor + 12). Larger cities like Barrie (~148k) manage with just 11 members. Taxpayers are already facing 4%+ tax hikes, infrastructure deficits, and pet projects (event centre, roundabouts, turf facility, etc.).Several councillors own local businesses and have influenced zoning/permits affecting their own interests - raising pay only heightens conflict-of-interest risks.True leadership means showing the same restraint demanded of city staff and residents. Link raises to union settlements, cut waste, and consider shrinking council size. Voters will remember this at election time.We need accountable leaders who feel the same pressures as the people paying the bills.

7

Thunder Bay woman 'waiting and watching' for Hurricane Milton

TBNewsWatch

22

How did TBNews know she moved there? Does a friend/family work at the station thought this would be newsworthy?

1

After 100 years in the elements, carousel will get a roof this fall

TBNewsWatch

20

Move it to the marina so it can be enjoyed by everyone year round.

2

Slippery slope: Why cities, towns should probe tobogganing hills

TBNewsWatch

22

@ssmmbb, Perfect! Next up: outlaw fresh air, running, and laughing. Those dopamine hits from real fun are dangerously unregulated. Screen time is the only safe addiction left.

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

TBNewsWatch

18

(Part 1)Thunder Bay city council is a part-time job, not a full-time career. With a population of roughly 110,000–117,000, we already have an oversized 13-member council (mayor + 12). Larger comparator cities like Barrie (~148,000) operate with just 11 total members. Yet we're pushing councillor pay from ~$33k nearly to $62k by 2033 (mayor nearing $174k) via compounded ~9% annual hikes.Taxpayers aren't against fair compensation, but this feels like rewarding a system ripe with conflicts of interest. Several councillors own local businesses or properties (as regularly declared in the city's Conflict of Interest Registry - short-term rentals, downtown businesses, etc.). Some have actively pushed back against new competing businesses trying to set up shop. Raising their pay to “professional” levels while they influence zoning, permits, bylaws, and economic development decisions that directly affect their own bottom lines only heightens the risk of self-interest over public good.

4

Multiplex gets $2M from province

TBNewsWatch

21

Has Soccer Northwest provided any updates on their committed $1 million in private funding for the Tbaytel Multiplex? They secured the initial $500k from the CEDC last year and launched a public campaign last fall. Curious how much more has come in as the facility nears completion.

1

Seniors housing project proposed for former Municipal Golf Course

TBNewsWatch

21

@Taxesupagain, Well said. The FOI documents confirmed this.Bruno’s/Di Gregorio proposal, a 14-unit vacation resort with a couple of executive par-3 holes and a putting green, tied to their ownership of a nearby golf course, won on subjective scoring for ‘tourism benefits’ and ‘economic spin-offs.’ It beat out Doug Treichler’s plan to keep the course operating as a public golf course, plus higher cash offers (Wilco at $800,000 and others willing to pay more than the $650k appraised price).The appraiser had even warned that the resort component was likely a money-loser and that the highest and best use was continued golf operations. Yet council/staff picked the resort vision in a closed session without putting strong, enforceable timelines or performance guarantees in the purchase agreement.Taxpayers got neither the promised tourism boost nor maximum value for public land. Seniors housing may be needed now, but this history explains the ongoing skepticism.

Indoor turf contract to be awarded

TBNewsWatch

15

Whoever gets the contract you know once construction begins it'll be followed by overrun costs and go way over budget.

4

'That’s unacceptable': Discarded pickerel raises concern

TBNewsWatch

15

This happened over a week ago but glad to see it's being reported on the news.

4

Lux Suites officially opens first extended-stay hotel

TBNewsWatch

15

Another win for the Tsekouras portfolio. New boutique hotel = more fancy short-term stays. Still zero dent in the actual affordable housing shortage. Some 'contributions' to the city come with a heck of a backstory.

4

Ford government cancels Starlink deal, refuses to disclose cost to taxpayers

TBNewsWatch

15

I wouldn't be surprised if this all ends with Rogers getting the contract and just reselling Starlink under the hood.

3

Thunder Bay woman 'waiting and watching' for Hurricane Milton

TBNewsWatch

10

Thunder Bay woman moves to Florida during hurricane season to live with her fiancé.

7

The fate of the James Whalen is put on hold

TBNewsWatch

17

Which person/business is getting $5K a month of our taxes to store it at that location?

Police investigate attempted assault at hospital

TBNewsWatch

17

Unfortunately a lot goes on at the hospital that never gets reported. My nurse friends always say situations like this is just another day at the office. Stay safe out there, frontline staff... you deal with way more than the public ever sees.