Thunder Bay Today's News Roundup: 97-year-old sees through 'fake police scam' | Nursing home changes hands, upgrades and renames | Major Morrisseau works land at the gallery

On Friday, November 28, 2025, Thunder Bay's local news was half about "managing risk" and half about "protecting home": a 97-year-old senior cleverly saw through a "grandparent scam" involving someone posing as a police officer, avoiding a $6,000 loss; the long-standing nursing home McKellar Place was renamed Vickers Manor under new ownership, with claims of a full upgrade to facilities and services; the Thunder Bay Art Gallery received a major donation of 35 original Norval Morrisseau works, securing the long-term preservation of this iconic Indigenous art legacy locally; meanwhile, the city's Growth Standing Committee voted 2:1 to send the Smart Growth Action Plan to city council, moving the city's future development blueprint into its "final reading" stage.

1. 97-year-old cleverly foils 'grandparent scam'

-- Impersonating police officer fails to get $6,000

A report titled "97-year-old foils grandparent scammers" was the most-watched safety news today. According to a TBNewsWatch summary, a local 97-year-old woman narrowly avoided being scammed out of about $6,000 in a "grandparent scam" (a fraud where scammers pose as grandchildren, police, or lawyers, claiming a relative is in trouble and needs money urgently).

2. McKellar Place renamed Vickers Manor

-- New owner says repairs and upgrades underway, responding to past criticism

In the area of local livelihood and housing, another report today, "New owner makes improvements as McKellar Place becomes Vickers Manor," focuses on a controversial long-term care/senior residence facility. The summary shows that the former McKellar Place retirement residence has been officially renamed under new ownership to Vickers Manor, and management says they have been "working hard to improve" the building and services over the past period.

3. Thunder Bay Art Gallery receives 35 original Norval Morrisseau works

-- Major donation solidifies local Indigenous art's 'crown jewel' status

A major piece of cultural news comes from "Major Morrisseau donation secures cultural treasures for art gallery." The report notes that the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, through a significant donation, has recently added 35 original Norval Morrisseau paintings and drawings to its permanent collection.

4. Smart Growth Action Plan passes committee 2:1

-- City development blueprint sent to council for 'final review,' differences remain

In urban planning and policy, a report under the Local Journalism Initiative, "Smart Growth Action Plan advances with 2-1 committee vote," reveals that Thunder Bay's Growth Standing Committee this week, with a 2:1 vote, recommended the Smart Growth Action Plan to city council for final consideration.