Thunder Bay Today's News Roundup: Indigenous Services Centre Receives Major Grant, Tennis Dome Loan Poses Risk, Hospital 50/50 Revives 'Year-End Lottery Fever'

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Thunder Bay's top news swings between "people-focused spending" and "financial risk": the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre receives a $2 million provincial grant, with the new location expected to open early next year; public health urges residents over 50 to get vaccinated soon due to an increase in invasive pneumococcal infections; senior city officials warn that providing a loan for the tennis dome project could pose significant financial risk to the city; meanwhile, the Thunder Bay 50/50 December draw announces a guaranteed $2.5 million jackpot, with Intercity Shopping Centre getting a head start on the year-end charity lottery; the daily segment Good Morning, Thunder Bay! continues to round up tonight's cultural and social events, adding a festive touch to this northern city amid policy and risk discussions.

1. Provincial grant of $2 million: Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre's new location expected to open next year

The province has announced $2 million in funding for the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre to support the construction and preparation of its new location. The new building, situated on a corner of Red River Road, is a key step in years of planning, aiming to provide one-stop cultural and social services for the city's Indigenous and broader community in a more visible and accessible location.

2. Rise in serious bacterial infections: Health Unit urges those over 50 to complete pneumococcal vaccination

Public health in the Superior North region is sounding the alarm: the Thunder Bay District Health Unit reports an increase in cases of a serious bacterial infection, specifically naming "invasive pneumococcal disease." Health officials strongly recommend that all residents aged 50 and over ensure they have completed the recommended pneumococcal vaccination as per the provincial immunization schedule; those who haven't been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their family doctor or pharmacy soon to discuss catch-up vaccination.

3. Tennis dome loan plan called "risky": senior city officials urge careful decision-making

The financial debate over the indoor dome project at the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre continues. Following earlier reports of a funding shortfall of about $630,000, the latest report shows that senior city staff, in an analysis submitted to city council, clearly state that if the city were to "backstop" the project through a municipal loan, it would expose the City of Thunder Bay to "considerable risk."

4. Thunder Bay 50/50 announces December guaranteed jackpot of $2.5 million: Intercity Shopping Centre hosts launch event

The locally popular Thunder Bay 50/50 hospital charity lottery has released details for December: this year's December main draw will have a "guaranteed" jackpot of $2.5 million, with additional prizes like early bird draws continuing. The report notes that last December's ultimate prize pool reached approximately $6.4 million, one of the highest in the lottery's five-year history, providing the "confidence" for this year's high guaranteed amount.