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In this Harbour Beat Issue…
Mining Day takes over Marina Park this Saturday
A sinkhole closes Oliver Road in the rural west end
A tiny red invader settles into Lake Superior
Lakehead turns 60 and looks to grow
Local Business Spotlight: Red Lion Smokehouse 🍖
Your week ahead in and around Thunder Bay:
Friday, June 12
Thunder Bay Rock N' Gem Show — 10 a.m.–8 p.m. · CLE Coliseum, 425 Northern Ave. · $3
Descendants: The Musical — 7 p.m. · Magnus Theatre · $25
Saturday, June 13
Thunder Bay Mining Day — 10 a.m.–4 p.m. · Marina Park · Free
Mamaweh Neebweedoah — Let's Stand Together Powwow — 10:30 a.m., Grand Entry at noon · Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Family Centre, 150 Grandview Rd. · Free
June Classic 5K & 10K — 10 a.m. · Boulevard Lake
Sunday, June 14
Global Food Picnic — 12–4 p.m. · Moose Hall · $5, kids under 12 free
Thunder Bay Rock N' Gem Show (final day) — CLE Coliseum, 425 Northern Ave.
Monday, June 15
Dawson Diner Monday Night Cruise-In — 6:30 p.m. · Dawson Diner
Tuesday, June 16
Tuesday Group Run — 6:30 p.m.
Tai Chi in the Park — 7 p.m.
Friday looks unsettled: mainly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Expect a high of 21, west winds picking up to 30 km/h late in the morning, a UV index of 4 (moderate), and an overnight low of 12 — keep the umbrella handy. Full forecast via Environment Canada.
Mining Day takes over Marina Park this Saturday
City hall raised the flag this week for the 11th annual Thunder Bay Mining Day, set for this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marina Park. The free event promises gold panning, mini diggers, metal detecting for prizes, a geologist on hand for your rock questions, and a Women in Mining barbecue — rain or shine.
A sinkhole closes Oliver Road in the rural west end
Oliver Road is closed to through traffic east of Townline Road after a sinkhole opened in the pavement — only local residents are being let past. The city says the closure will stay in place until further notice while crews size up repairs, so plan an alternate route.
A tiny red invader settles into Lake Superior
A new study confirms the invasive bloody red shrimp is now reproducing year-round in Lake Superior — the lake's first established population. Researchers say the centimetre-long crustacean's effect on the food web is still unclear, and remind boaters to clean, drain and dry their gear between waterbodies.
Lakehead turns 60 and looks to grow
Lakehead University marked its 60th anniversary at Thursday's annual report to the community, where president Gillian Siddall outlined efforts to rebuild international enrolment and a 'significant' rise in domestic applications. Construction on the new veterinary school buildings is set to wrap this summer, with the first Thunder Bay cohort arriving in September 2027.
Local Business Spotlight
Featured Restaurant: Red Lion Smokehouse
In the heart of the waterfront district at 16 Cumberland Street South, Red Lion Smokehouse pairs classic British pub comfort with serious barbecue. Chef John Murray trained in Toronto and London, England before opening the Red Lion, where the meat is smoked slow and low, finished on a Josper grill, and everything is made in-house with local ingredients whenever possible.
🍖 Must-Try Menu Highlights
Smoked ribs and brisket — smoked low and slow, then finished on the Josper grill
British pub favourites with a smokehouse twist — plus plenty of vegetarian and kid-friendly options
14 taps and 100+ craft beers — a rotating selection that changes weekly
✨ Ambiance and Decor
A modern, versatile pub space in the waterfront district with a seasonal patio — and an event room that hosts up to 130 guests for everything from seated dinners to cocktail receptions.
📍 Location and Contact
📍 16 Cumberland St. S., Thunder Bay (waterfront district)
📞 (807) 286-0045
🕐 Operating Hours
Monday to Thursday 12–11 p.m. (kitchen until 10) · Friday & Saturday 12 p.m.–midnight (late-night menu from 10) · Sunday 12–8 p.m.
🎉 Special Events and Promotions
Daily and seasonal feature dishes, plus a weekly-changing beer list — [upcoming events to confirm with the business]
⭐ What Locals Say
Reviewers single out the ribs and the mac and cheese, with friendly staff getting frequent mentions.
Final Bite: slow-smoked, locally sourced, and right by the harbour — save room for the ribs.
Meme of the Day
What’s faster than word of mouth? Harbour Beat! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.
