THUNDER BAY -- Here are 10 of the top stories we covered in September 2024, as compiled by Dougall Media Director of News, Leith Dunick.
- Local Liberal MPs Patty Hajdu and Marcus Powlowski said they were disappointed a deal to keep the minority government afloat had collapsed, after the NDP backed out of the agreement. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tried his best to force an election, but it has yet to materialize. The election is fixed, for now, for next fall.
- Jonathan Massicotte was sentenced to life in prison with 12 years of parole ineligibility after being convicted of second-degree murder in the 2014 death of 32-year-old Wiliam Wapoose, whose body was found in Chapples Park.
- Two options were presented by the council composition committee, both suggestions calling for fewer councillors around the table. The committee has committed to 11 seats, and is looking at either four large wards, with two councillors each and two at-large councillors, or doing away with wards entirely and electing 10 councillors and the mayor.
- City council voted not to advocated for the Proximity Principle, the vote losing on a tie. However, city officials did ask for more information on the transportation of hazardous goods within city limits. Some on council were concerned about the potential dangers of nuclear wasted being brought to a potential deep ground repository in Ignace.
- Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies were muted, as Indigenous leaders said they wanted to give their people the day off to reflect on the residential school era and its aftermath. Hundreds did gather for an Orange Shirt Day Walk and the Honouring Our Children Reconciliation Run.
- City council amended its decision on the sunken James Whalen Tugboat, saying it still planned to scrap most of the vessel, while deferring plans to put some of the artifacts from the ship on display once a location is found.
- Local convenience stores jumped on the booze bandwagon, finally allowed to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. More than two dozen locations in Thunder Bay received their licence to sell alcohol, but had to wait until Sept. 5 to do so.
- A 25-year-old man pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 death of 63-year-old Richard Jung. Randy Andrews was originally charged with second-degree murder in the incident, which took place in the 200 block of Robertson Street on Sept. 20, 2203.
- Wake the Giant Music Festival drew thousands to Marina Park to hear the likes of The Arkells and Thunder Bay’s own Coleman Hell. The festival celebrated five years of teaching inclusion and acceptance of Indigenous students in the city.
- The province announced it would spend $2.9 million for 15 safe sobering beds in Thunder Bay, the beds serving as a low-barrier access point to help people sober up, while downplaying the role of safe consumption sites in the continuum of addictions care.
