THUNDER BAY -- Here are 10 of the top stories we covered in June 2024, as compiled by Dougall Media Director of News, Leith Dunick.
1. The city was abuzz and all eyes turned to the Harbour when word came that the U.S. bulk carrier Michipicoten was taken on water after striking an unknown object south west of Isle Royale. The damage was repaired and the ship limped back to Duluth, where it remains berthed.
2.City council made it official and ratified a $42-million plan to build a controversial indoor turf facility, despite renewed calls from some around the table to pump the brakes on the project.
3. A passerby made a gruesome discovery while walking at Kam River Heritage Park. The body of 34-year-old Francis Joseph Valle was found and police quickly ruled the death a homicide. Joshua Christian Peter Diamond, 39, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
4. Businesses in Thunder Bay announced their displeasure at new parking rates, which introduced $2 minimum fees, along with extending hours of paid parking from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, and charging for parking at Prince Arthur’s Landing.
5. The return of the Thunder Bay Pride Parade was a huge success and drew crowds of thousands out to the downtown North core, marching from Hillcrest Park to Waverley Park, where there were speeches, live performances, drag queens and kings, artists, a photo booth and a kids zone.
6. National Indigenous People’s Day also brought out huge crowds for a chance to share in the culture, music and food of the Indigenous people who call the Thunder Bay area home.
7. The city named Dave Paxton as Thunder Bay Fire Rescue’s new fire chief, replacing the now-retired Greg Hankkio. Paxton has been with the department since 1998, rising through the ranks to deputy chief in 2012.
8. The Conference Board of Canada reported the city's economy is predicted to grow faster than the rest of the country’s, more than double Canada’s GDP growth of 0.7 per cent. The ongoing construction of the new corrections centre is listed as a big reason for the growth.
9. Dozens of residents were temporarily displaced after a fire broke out in a first-floor unit at a Lincoln Street apartment complex. It was the first of two impactful fires at McIvor Court in 2024. One person was sent to hospital as a result of the fire.
10. A Geraldton man was arrested after a loaded gun was found at the Thunder Bay Airport. Airport security located the gun during the pre-boarding screening process and led to the accused being placed behind bars awaiting a court date.
