THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay has released a commemorative video to wrap up the 50th anniversary celebration that happened in 2020 despite restrictions imposed by COVID-19.
Mayor Bill Mauro says the 50th-anniversary committee was able to mark the milestone event despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, saying the members "remained flexible in terms of identifying and acting on initiatives they could deliver."
The anniversary year began with a pancake breakfast at the O'Kelly VC Armoury on Jan. 1, 2020, including a visit from Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell who spent New Year's Eve and New Year's day in the city.
Other notable events during the year included:
- civic timeline display installed in the city hall lobby
- bi-monthly column in The Walleye that featured a look back over the five decades since amalgamation
- weekly radio segments
- street light banners
- city events with the 50th theme including SnowDay, Winter FunDays, Neighbour day, Doors Open, and a Women in History Exhibit
- 50th anniversary grant program
- digital walking tour app (to be launched in spring 2021)
- 50th anniversary commemorative bus
The 50th-anniversary committee began as the official Civic Pride Task Force in 2016.
Its direction was revised to focus on generating civic pride in time for the 2020 celebration.
