- Thunder Bay Police laid out the framework for re-investigating nine sudden-death cases involving Indigenous people. The move stemmed from recommendations made in the Office of the Independent Police Review Director’s report on systemic racism in the department. The sudden deaths being reinvestigated include Christine Gliddy, Shania Bob, Marie Spence, Aaron Loon, Sarah Moonias, as well as four cases involved in the Seven Youth Inquest – Jethro Anderson, Curran Strang, Kyle Morrisseau, and Jordan Wabasse.
- Neighbours, including Albert Aiello of the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club, expressed opposition to the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services proposed 58-bed transitional residence on Junot Avenue, citing an increase in gang-related violence, including a standoff and a shooting, as temptations that shouldn’t be readily available for those trying to kick addictions.
- The legacy of the St. Joseph’s Residential School was etched in stone when a marble monument recognizing the school on the grounds at Pope John Paul II School was unveiled. At least six Indigenous children died while attending St. Joseph’s, which operated at the site for more than 50 years before being demolished in 1966.
- The region lost one of its biggest champions with the death of former MP John Rafferty, who was only 66. Rafferty, a former CKPR broadcaster, served in the House of Commons for the NDP from 2008 to 2015.
- Council voted to reject a proposed bylaw that would have implemented the designated truck route, leaving the plan in limbo. Council had approved the route, forcing trucks to remain on Highway 11/17 instead of Dawson Road or Arthur Street West, in January. The issue returned to council late in the year.
- The province opened the door for 36 new bl-level cars to be built at Bombardier, sending a mandate letter to Metrolinx. At the same time, the timeline to compete an existing order of 63 cars was extended. It wasn’t a great year at the plant, with hundreds of layoffs announced, but this was a glimmer of hope for some employees.
- Police raided a Pearl Street apartment and seized a quantity of crack cocaine, morphine and oxycodone, resulting in the arrest of 10 people. Police say they suspected Toronto-area gang members had been using multiple units within the apartment building for drug trafficking purposes.
- A Hartland Street fire trapped an international student and left them in critical condition. The residence was home to between six and 10 international students and led fire officials to reinforce the importance of landlords ensure their properties are equipped with working smoke alarms.
- An OPP officer suffered serious injuries in a Golf Links Road crash that also sent a 75-year-old male driver to hospital for treatment. The injured officer was a passenger in an unmarked OPP vehicle. The SIU invoked its mandate in the case.
- The annual Thunder Pride Parade was once a again a hit, drawing out hundreds of people to celebrate inclusion and diversity. Organizers celebrated the fact the LGBTIQAP+ community no longer had to hide, as they marched down Algoma Street to a block party on Bay Street.
Between now and Jan. 1, tbnewswatch.com will be presenting our annual Year in Review feature, with a look back at the top news stories each month throughout 2019. We'll culminate with our top 10 news stories of the decade on New Year's Day.
