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Happy Friday, Thunder Bay! The smoke is still very much with us — nine Matawa First Nations have declared a state of emergency and the health unit is urging everyone to stay indoors — but there's brightness in the mix too: the Thunder Bay Chill have been crowned the Prairies Premier League's first-ever champions. In today's issue: the Chill make history, the Matawa emergency, city police launch a toy drive for evacuee kids, and simple ways to protect yourself from the smoke. Plus your weekend events. 🧡
In this Harbour Beat Issue…
🏆 The Thunder Bay Chill are crowned league champions
🔥 Nine Matawa First Nations declare a state of emergency
🧸 City police launch a toy drive for evacuee kids
😷 How to protect yourself as wildfire smoke lingers
Trivia: What is the collective noun for a group of flamingos? (Answer at the bottom!)
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Your week-ahead guide to Thunder Bay — here's what's worth getting out for over the next few days. 🎉 One note: with wildfire smoke lingering, outdoor events may shift, so check with organizers before you head out.
Friday, July 17
Thunder Bay Chill vs FC Manitoba — women 4 p.m., men 7 p.m. · 📍 Chapples Park · The newly crowned PPL champions close their first season at home with a doubleheader · 📅 Add to Calendar
Dear Evan Hansen — 7:30 p.m. · 📍 Badanai Theatre · Badanai stages the Tony-winning musical about connection, grief and belonging · 📅 Add to Calendar
Saturday, July 18
Thunder Bay Country Market — 8 a.m.–1 p.m. · 📍 Dove Building, CLE Grounds · 100+ vendors of local food, baking and crafts — indoors and out of the smoke · 📅 Add to Calendar
Festival of India — 3–8 p.m. (free) · 📍 Marina Park · A chariot parade, dance, drama, henna, kids' activities and a free feast · 📅 Add to Calendar
Lala's Craft Bowl Grand Opening — all weekend · 📍 105 May Street North · This week's featured studio throws open its doors — drop in and make something · 📅 Add to Calendar
Sunday, July 19
Festival of Colours — 3–7 p.m. · 📍 Marina Park · Colour throws, live music, dance and food at this joyful, family-friendly waterfront celebration · 📅 Add to Calendar
⚠️ AIR QUALITY — WILDFIRE SMOKE
Heavy wildfire smoke continues to blanket the region and an Orange air-quality warning remains in effect. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging everyone to limit time outdoors and keep windows closed. Conditions can shift hour to hour — go easy on outdoor exertion, wear an N95 if you must be out for long, and check on anyone with breathing issues, seniors and young children.
🌥️ Friday, July 17 — Thunder Bay
24°C
Overnight low 12°C
Cloudy · 40% chance of showers · Wildfire smoke lingering · Cooler and less humid
Cooler and grey. Friday brings a high near 24°C under cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers — and any rain would be welcome, helping knock down the wildfire smoke still hanging over the city. Air quality stays poor at times, so sensitive groups should keep checking the latest advisories and limit time outdoors. Winds are light and overnight lows dip to around 12°C. Full forecast and current air-quality alerts at Environment Canada.
The Thunder Bay Chill are crowned league champions
History in year one. The Thunder Bay Chill have been crowned the Prairies Premier League's first-ever men's champions — and they clinched it without even taking the field, locking up top spot on the head-to-head tiebreaker over Queen City United. The Chill (5-1-3) close their inaugural regular season at home Friday night against FC Manitoba, with the second-place women's side kicking off the doubleheader at 4 p.m. and the men at 7 p.m. at Chapples Park.
Nine Matawa First Nations declare a state of emergency
The Matawa Chiefs Council — representing nine First Nations including Aroland, Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Neskantaga and Webequie — declared a state of emergency Thursday evening over worsening wildfires and heavy smoke. The council pointed to "accelerating threats" to health and safety, strained food and fuel supply lines and power outages, with some communities already moving out their most vulnerable members. Leaders are calling on Ottawa and the province for dedicated emergency contacts and support.
City police launch a toy drive for evacuee kids
As wildfire evacuees keep arriving in the city, the Thunder Bay Police Service has started a toy drive to bring a little comfort to displaced children. New or gently used, clean toys, games and books can be dropped at the Balmoral Street police station, 24/7, and will go to kids and families affected by the fires. "A simple toy can provide comfort … and a reason to smile," said Chief Darcy Fleury. Scholars Thunder Bay (Alloy Drive) is also collecting clothing, toiletries, snacks and pet supplies for evacuees.
How to protect yourself as wildfire smoke lingers
With air quality rated poor, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging people to stay indoors as much as possible and has rescheduled some client services this week to cut down on travel. The fine particulate in smoke can trigger everything from sore eyes and headaches to coughing and heart palpitations. Their advice: keep windows closed, don't run exhaust fans, seek out air-conditioned spaces like malls or libraries if you need to, and wear an N95 mask (not a surgical one) if you must be outside for a while. Health811 (dial 811) can help with symptoms; call 911 in an emergency.
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Trivia answer: A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance." The name suits their flamboyant pink plumage — a colour that comes from pigments in the algae and brine shrimp they eat, so flamingos raised without that diet actually stay pale.