THUNDER BAY — Barring something unexpected, the 2022 navigation season will open in Thunder Bay this weekend.
The Thunder Bay Port Authority expects the first inbound vessel to cross Lake Superior and dock sometime on Saturday, the day after the locks open at Sault Ste. Marie.
Icebreaking operations began Tuesday when the Canadian Coast Guard's Samuel Risley arrived in port.
Port Authority CEO TIm Heney said the Risley will remain in the area for a few days.
He said it will then be followed by American icebreakers which will continue to open local shipping lanes.
More than 900 people work in port-related jobs in Thunder Bay.
Port activity carries an economic impact of about $370 million.
The 2021 shipping season at Thunder Bay closed just over two months ago, on Jan. 17.
