TBNewswatch is looking back at the top 10 stories of each month in 2023, as chosen by Dougall Media's director of news, Leith Dunick. Here are the picks from July.
- A fatal hit-and-run collision took the life of 42-year-old Carson Johnson and serious injured his partner. After a short search, police identified the driver and made an arrest. Jonathan Paypomee pleaded guilty in December to a charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.
- Nishnawbe Aski Nation turned to a familiar face to fill its vacant grand chief role, electing former Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler to head the governing body. The vacancy arose when former chief Derek Fox was voted out after being accused of misconduct.
- Thunder Bay’s Katherine Henderson was given a tough task, hired to take over the top job at scandal-plagued Hockey Canada, after seven years at the helm of Curling Canada.
- Thunder Bay correctional workers expressed concern that the lavish new $1.2-billion correctional facility being built on Highway 61 might be too small. The 345-bed prison complex is scheduled to open in late 2026.
- Canada Day celebrations returned in full force, though permanently without fireworks, with activities scheduled throughout the day at Marina Park and at Fort William Historical Park.
- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre paid a visit to the city, holding an evening rally as he sought to build support ahead of a looming federal election. The populist leader appealed to local voters with a plan to repeal gun control legislation and cutting the carbon tax.
- The second annual Country on the Bay Music Festival was once again a huge success, with the likes of Doc Walker, Brothers Osborne, Dean Brody and the James Barker Band taking to the Fort William Historical Park stage. The 2024 event will be headlined by Blake Shelton.
- The City of Thunder Bay released its latest strategic plan for the 2022 to 2026 council, including curbing urban sprawl, seeking more funding to recognize Thunder Bay’s role as a regional hub and the decriminalization of people who use drugs.
- City council voted to end the sometime controversial Sister Cities program, ending formal ties with communities in Minnesota, Finland, Japan and China. The move brought with it $25,000 in annual savings.
- Former Lakehead Thunderwolves star forward Mike Hammond was killed in motor vehicle crash in British Columbia. Hammond, 33, spent four seasons at LU and had been playing hockey professionally overseas, most recently in Great Britain.
