Thunder Bay Top News | Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Thunder Bay — Local updates for today: an early morning fire at an industrial site destroyed multiple vehicles, social assistance agency facilities will now be patrolled by newly appointed special constables, a black bear injured by gunshot was released into forested land north of the city after recovery, and councillors expressed concern that the city's "negative reputation" is affecting growth, while reviewing the draft of the Smart Growth Action Plan. Here are the key points of the day:

Early this morning around Leith Street a fire broke out at a commercial address, destroying multiple scrapped or pending vehicles. Fire crews responded with suppression and scene control. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials have not yet released casualty or property damage assessments. Nearby businesses have been advised to temporarily strengthen management of combustible material storage and verify fire extinguishers and fire access routes on site.

In terms of social services and public safety, the city announced that newly appointed special constables will, starting today, provide on-site presence and high-frequency patrols at District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board（DSSAB） several office locations and service facilities under its jurisdiction, in response to public and frontline staff concerns about access order and facility security. Relevant departments stated they will coordinate with police to increase visible patrols during peak hours and respond quickly to unusual behavior and disturbances.

Positive progress in wildlife rescue: a black bear previously injured by gunshot in the countryside, after rehabilitation and assessment, was released today into Thunder Bay woodland north of the city. Rescue officials noted that during the late-autumn active feeding period, overlaps between bear and human activity ranges may still occur. Residents are advised to stay alert when hiking near the suburbs and taking out garbage, and to store food sources properly to avoid triggering negative encounters.

On the municipal governance front, the city council's growth standing committee reviewed the draft Smart Growth Action Plan at today's meeting. Some councillors stated bluntly that the city's "negative reputation" may deter investment, population growth, and project implementation, and called for adding more actionable business environment and image restoration action items beyond updating land use, corridor density, and transit accessibility. The draft will continue to collect public input and proceed through the process to a subsequent vote.

Travel advisory: evening and early morning temperatures are near freezing, andHarbour Expressway、Arthur Street West、Memorial Avenue、Dawson Road corridor bridges and ramps are prone to slippery conditions. Transport companies are reminded to comply with existing designated trucking corridors and time restrictions. Residents are asked to leave working space for snow-clearing equipment at curbs and avoid illegal roadside parking that could affect response efficiency.

Community service agencies have simultaneously launched a winter care supplies drive, focusing on new cold-weather clothing, sleeping bags, and room-temperature high-protein