Thunder Bay Daily News | Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Lead: Today's local focus includes a provincial investigation into a suspected contamination incident on the Kam River, concerns over planned blasting at a Nolalu quarry, the imminent completion of pedestrian bridge replacements, and a possible reversal of the Hillyard temporary shelter site selection, plus three impaired driving collisions, a swimming advisory at Mission Marsh, and campus news updates.

City Hall (Municipal & Policy)

Temporary shelter site selection may change| August 27, 2025, Thunder Bay City Hall - At the next council meeting (Tuesday), council will vote on whether to rescind the decision to locate the temporary shelter at Hillyard (near the Carrick Street dog park) and will request an exemption from procedural rules that evening for immediate processing. If passed, the site selection will be fully rescinded and the project may be "sent back to the drawing board." (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Suspected contamination in Kam River causing fish deaths prompts provincial investigation| August 27, 2025, Kam River (downstream of Thunder Bay Pulp & Paper) - The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) says its spill emergency centre received a report on August 22 and has sent compliance officers to take samples on site; multiple witnesses report large numbers of dead fish and abnormal water colour in the stretch. The investigation is ongoing. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Traffic & Roads

Replacement of two pedestrian bridges enters final phase| August 27, 2025, Clayte Street and Hartviksen Street - The city's project engineer says the new bridges, the last two in the five-bridge replacement plan, could be installed as early as next week, in time to complete paving and trail restoration before school starts; the other three (Brent Street, Blanchard Street, County Park) were completed in 2024. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Community & Events

Wednesday drone light show postponed due to weather; Thursday show still on| August 27, 2025, Marina Park - The drone show originally scheduled for tonight has been postponed to September 19; the Thursday (August 28) show is still planned, with the "Live on the Waterfront" concert lineup continuing, featuring Boom Town, Throwback, and Amanda Keeles on Wednesday, and the drone show expected to start at 21:45 on Thursday. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Planned blasting in Nolalu causes shaking for residents| August 27, 2025, Nolalu (Boreal Road quarry) - A planned blasting occurred in the afternoon, and several nearby households reported "houses shaking and loud noise"; local emergency services responded to check, with no reports of injuries. Residents hope for more advance notice in the future. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

City Police (Public Safety & Enforcement)

Three separate collisions involving impaired driving; three women charged| August 27, 2025, early morning to late morning, Thunder Bay - Police say the three incidents occurred at William St & McKellar, Fort William Rd (1100 block), and John St Rd & Court St; the three women involved have been charged with impaired driving-related offences under the Criminal Code. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Courts & Justice

Inquest to be held into death of Thunder Bay man in prison| August 27, 2025, Thunder Bay - The provincial coroner's office has announced it will hold an inquest into the death of Nathan Otke, who died in custody on January 1, 2022, after being assaulted at Stony Mountain Institution (Manitoba); the specific time and location are yet to be announced. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com+1

Education & Health

Lakehead University appoints Vice-President of Research and Innovation| August 27, 2025, Thunder Bay campus - LU (Lakehead University) announced that Dr. Langis Roy has taken on a five-year term as Vice-President (Research and Innovation) starting August 24, overseeing research funding, industry partnerships, and a new research strategy. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

NAN holds walk for International Overdose Awareness Day| August 27, 2025, George Street (near Shelter House) - NAN (Nishnawbe Aski Nation), together with the City of Thunder Bay and TBDHU (Thunder Bay District Health Unit) and other agencies, held an early awareness and remembrance event, calling for expanded treatment and aftercare resources. (Source: SNNewsWatch) SNNewsWatch.com

Swimming advisory issued for Mission Marsh| August 27, 2025, Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area - LRCA (Lakehead Region Conservation Authority), based on sampling results from TBDHU (health unit), has declared the area "unsuitable for swimming due to high bacteria levels in the water"; Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park remain under long-term risk advisories. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Sports & Culture

New art gallery: considering phased opening in 2026, full opening in 2027| August 27, 2025, Thunder Bay Art Gallery (north-side waterfront) - The gallery says the total cost has risen to $74.7 million due to inflation, supply chain issues, and tariffs; on Monday, city council agreed to an emergency allocation of $5 million to avoid a work stoppage. The gallery aims for a "phased opening" in 2026 and full opening in 2027, and continues to seek funding from all levels of government and private sources to cover the $22.6 million shortfall. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Newcomers & Students

Campus reminder: LU's new VP Research starts| August 27, 2025, Thunder Bay - LU says the new vice-president will advance research and industry partnerships, which means internship/co-op opportunities with local businesses and labs are likely to increase; graduate and international students are advised to watch college emails and research office notices. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Gas Prices & Daily Services

Today's low gas price| August 27, 2025, K&A Variety & Gas Bar (684 City Rd.) - Reported at $1.18/L; price provided by TBNewsWatch's "Good Morning, Thunder Bay!" daily segment. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Evening weather and week ahead| August 27, 2025, evening, Thunder Bay - Evening has a 60% chance of rain with a risk of thunderstorms, low near 5°C; Thursday partly cloudy with a high of 20°C, Friday sunny 22°C, weekend sunny and warmer to 26–28°C (data based on Environment Canada; segment summary). (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com

Tomorrow's tip

Thursday (August 28) Marina Park drone show-- Expected departure at 21:45; please arrive early and watch for city weather updates and on-site guidance. The pedestrian bridge installation will take place next week, and school walking routes may be temporarily closed or detoured. Parents and students should watch for on-site barriers and signage. (Source: TBNewsWatch) TBNewsWatch.com+1

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Note: First mention of acronyms in the article--MECP=Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; LU=Lakehead University; TBDHU=Thunder Bay District Health Unit; LRCA=Lakehead Region Conservation Authority.