mytbay 6-7 April/May 2018 City s Festivals & Events Ranked With The Best Strengthening Cultural and Economic Partnerships Local Hip Hop Artist

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1 mytbay April/May 2018 FOLLOW US Citizen Newsletter thunderbay.ca/mytbay City s Festivals & Events Ranked With The Best 4 Strengthening Cultural and Economic Partnerships 6-7 Local Hip Hop Artist 8 Demonstrates Leadership FEATURE New Tourism Website Showcases City

2 2 GOVERNMENT mytbay Notices MAYOR KEITH HOBBS Office: Fax: (Office) Councillors: IAIN ANGUS, AT LARGE Residence/Office: Fax: SHELBY CH NG, NORTHWOOD WARD Cell: ANDREW FOULDS, CURRENT RIVER WARD Residence: TREVOR GIERTUGA, MCINTYRE WARD Residence: Cell: LARRY HEBERT, AT LARGE Residence: Office: Fax: Cell: REBECCA JOHNSON, AT LARGE Residence/Office: Fax: BRIAN MCKINNON, RED RIVER WARD Residence: Fax: PAUL PUGH, MCKELLAR WARD Residence: FRANK PULLIA, AT LARGE Residence: ALDO RUBERTO, AT LARGE Cell: SISTER CITIES CHEF EXCHANGE Sister Cities Thunder Bay is inviting residents to attend part two of their Sister Cities Chef Exchange. The first event was a sell-out at Red Lion. This event has Thunder Bay s Red Lion chef taking over Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar in Duluth on April 23. thunderbay.ca/sistercities TAX BILL DUE DATE The second installment of citizen s Interim Tax Bill is due on May 3. To request a copy, contact the Revenue Division at Alexander Skochinski RV PUMPING STATION OPENS MAY 11 Non-commercial vehicles are welcome to visit the Recreational Vehicle Pumping Station to access fresh potable water and empty out holding tanks. The RV Station is located on Legion Track Drive, behind the Delaney Arena enter from Victoria Avenue. For more information, contact Dispatch at TAI CHI STATUES AT WATERFRONT A delegation from Thunder Bay s Sister City, Jiaozuo City, China, will unveil three statues as a gift to the City at Prince Arthur s Landing on May 21. The statues will be installed at the Tai Chi park. They are from Chen Village, China - the birthplace of Tai Chi. Grand Master Chen, one of only 10 Grand Masters in the world of Tai Chi, said that Thunder Bay is now known as the second birthplace of Tai Chi. thunderbay.ca/sistercities CURBSIDE BATTERY COLLECTION IS BACK Recycling your batteries is a way to reduce waste and prevent toxic contamination of the environment. The next curbside battery collection will take place on regular recycling days, between June thunderbay.ca/batteries Ward Meetings Everyone Welcome! WESTFORT WARD Councillor Joe Virdiramo Thursday, Apr. 19, 7 pm West Thunder Community Centre, 915 Edward St. S. Agenda: Ward & City Issues NEEBING WARD Councillor Linda Rydholm Thursday, Apr. 24, 7 pm West Arthur Community Centre Arthur Hall, 1914 Arthur St.W. Agenda: Ward & City Issues Thursday, May 3, 7 pm Holy Family School 2075 Rosslyn Rd. Agenda: North Neebing Community Centre Site Park Development, Ward & City Issues For more information on City Council Meetings & agendas, visit: thunderbay.ca/councilmeetings LINDA RYDHOLM, NEEBING WARD Residence: Fax: lrydholm@thunderbay.ca JOE VIRDIRAMO, WESTFORT WARD Residence: jvirdiramo@thunderbay.ca Published By: City of Thunder Bay, Corporate Strategic Services, Director Karen Lewis Senior Editor: Stacey Levanen, Supervisor Corporate Communications Phone: slevanen@thunderbay.ca Managing Editor: Vince Ponka, Communications Officer Phone: vponka@thunderbay.ca ON THE COVER: New Tourism website launches at Wilderness North. See Page 3 for more

3 mytbay FEATURE 3 Website development team: (l-r) Jodi Wright, Communications Specialist, Councillor Shelby Ch ng, Chair of Council s Community Communications Committee, Karen Lewis, Director of Corporate Strategic Services, Paul Pepe, Manager of Tourism, Stephanie Reid, Digital and Travel Media Officer, John Cameron, Tourism Development Officer New Tourism Website Showcases City On March 21, Tourism Thunder Bay launched a new, responsive website that is accessible, seamlessly integrated with social media and smartphone use, and easier to navigate to meet the needs of today s traveller. The site showcases Thunder Bay through visually stunning imagery and videos, as well as an extensive tourism business directory. There is a dedicated menu for travel industry planners and partners, as well as all the information needed to plan a trip including: activities and excursions guides on getting around the city fun facts about Thunder Bay and region booking accommodations and flights "Engaging with visitors and citizens is a top priority for City Council, and this new website is the first phase of an overall website renewal project," said Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, Chair of Council s Community Communications Committee. The City of Thunder Bay s overall website renewal project includes the development of a new City website (launching in late June), a new Tourism website and moving to a newly hosted system. It has been 10 years since the last website renewal was done. "This new website will help us more effectively engage with residents and visitors alike, with a uniquely personalized experience," said Karen Lewis, Director of Corporate Strategic Services, who implemented the overall website renewal project with the City s Corporate Information Technology Division. "We recognize that needs have changed since our last website renewal ten years ago, and we need to change too." The City has partnered with esolutions Group to develop and host the new site. esolutions Group was the successful proponent following a request for proposal process. They specialize in municipal websites and have experience with over 300 municipalities across North America. Extensive public consultations were done in the fall with the public and industry partners and the site was developed using website best practice design. Locals are encouraged to explore the site and use it to plan their own Thunder Bay-cation and as a tool when hosting visitors to our city. - Paul Pepe, Manager of Tourism Thunder Bay To explore the new tourism site, visit: visitthunderbay.com

4 4 LIVING mytbay Awards Recognize Thunder Bay Culture On February 23, the achievements and contributions of local artists, historians, cultural professionals, organizations and supporters were celebrated at the 8th Annual Thunder Bay Arts & Heritage Awards, presented by Copperfin Credit Union. Thirteen awards were presented at Magnus Theatre and the show was hosted by Lisa Laco and Christina Jung of CBC Thunder Bay. We were thrilled to be back at Magnus Theatre to showcase the best in Thunder Bay s cultural sector over the past year, said Ash Young, Cultural Development & Events Supervisor. The evening also featured performances by Café Paris The Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet, the Cambrian Players Improv and World Dance Collective, who closed out the evening with energized choreography specifically commissioned for the event. thunderbay.ca/cultureawards Arts & Heritage Award Winners Music Thunder Bay Community Band Visual Art Michel Dumont Stage Performance Candi Badanai Literature Jean E. Pendziwol Heritage World War One Thunder Bay Centennial Project Cultural Organization Cambrian Players Cultural Sponsor of the Year Bay Credit Union Cultural Venue of the Year Maple Tops Paramount Theatre Cultural Event of the Year ThunderCon Cultural Professional of the Year Marcia Arpin Cultural Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award Heather Dickson Outstanding Youth Achievement Award Micah Pawluk Lifetime Achievement Fay Steadwell City s Festivals & Events Ranked With The Best The City of Thunder Bay has been recognized as having some of the best events in the province. Festivals & Events Ontario has presented the City with three awards: Municipality of the Year (population 50, ,000) The Award recognizes municipalities, towns or cities and markets who have worked, through concentrated efforts, to provide an atmosphere beneficial to successful festivals and events. Best New Festival or Event and Top 100 Event Live on the Waterfront has been recognized in both of these categories as a top provincial event. The Cultural Development & Events Section is extremely proud to be recognized with three Festivals & Events Ontario Awards in 2018, said Leah Prentice, Manager of Cultural Development & Events. Our events team and service partners dedicate themselves to providing high-quality events for our residents and visitors to enjoy. thunderbay.ca/events

5 mytbay BUSINESS 5 Winning campaign displayed on a Toronto Transit Commission vehicle. CEDC Recognized for City Promotion Thunder Bay s Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has won an Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Award of Excellence. The Award was given for advertisements that were placed on Toronto Transit Commission vehicles in The winning advertising campaign encouraged residents of Toronto, or anyone else riding that city s transit, to consider the advantages of living, working or investing in Thunder Bay and to visit gotothunderbay.ca. It is an honour to be recognized with the EDCO Award, said Doug Murray, CEO, Community Economic Development Commission. It shows that our advertising campaign showcasing Thunder Bay as a great place to live and work resonated with the judges. The CEDC also received an Honourable Mention in the Branding category for its Go To Thunder Bay website. EDCO presents these awards annually and is a well-established program available to communities to have their economic development initiatives judged by industry leaders against their peers. To view the winning ads, visit: gotothunderbay.ca/ttc_ads DOWNLOAD THE CITY'S FREE MOBILE APP Submiy Water Meter Readings Find your closest bus route Get the latest city news Report graffiti Events and emergency notifications Apply for City Jobs Connect with local government and so much more! Connecting with the City of Thunder Bay has never been easier! Pingstreet puts helpful city information and engaging tools in the palm of your hand. Download for free today

6 6 LIVING mytbay Strengthening Cultural and Econom Sister Cities began in North America in the 1950s as a way to promote international peace and friendship in the years following the Second World War. It was seen as a way that cities, and the people who live in those cities, can see the similarities between themselves and those who live in other countries around the world. The exchanges between cities were originally diplomatic, educational and cultural in nature. Those are still important, but in the past decades, pursuing economic development opportunities that benefit both cities is seen as an important part of the Sister Cities program. Exploring mutually-beneficial economic opportunities is an important part of a Sister Cities relationship, said Mayor Keith Hobbs. The program broadens the horizons for our community and allows us to make international partnerships on the City level that can lead to profound cultural, economic and educational connections. Benefits to the City and the broader community include cultural, educational, and economic elements, activities and opportunities. By leveraging Thunder Bay s unique assets and identifying opportunities to collaborate with global cities, the City can create new growth opportunities and find its competitive niche to thrive in the global economy. At the heart of all Sister City programs is a twinning agreement, signed by the mayors of each sister city, confirming the commitment of each community to the program. thunderbay.ca/sistercities Mayor Keith Hobbs signing a renewal of the Sister Cities Agreement with Little Canada s mayor, the late Bill Blesener, at Fort William Historial Park. 2. One of three bronze staues presented to representatives of Thunder Bay by the mayor and city officials of Jiaozuo City, China. They will be installed at the International Tai Chi Park at Prince Arthur s Landing on May Seinäjoki City Councillor, Martti Pajulampi tries his first Persian during a visit to the City. 4. Representatives of Thunder Bay are given a tour of a tire factory in Jiaozuo City, China in Duluth Sister Cities welcomed visitors from Thunder Bay on June 6, The annual Peace Bell Ceremony takes place in Thunder Bay. (l-r) Gifu City Council Chairperson Toshio Sugiyama, Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation, Gifu City Mayor Shigemitsu Hosoe and Mayor Keith Hobbs. 7. Thunder Bay delegation is warmly welcomed by the mayor and council of Jiaozuo City, China, in 2017.

7 mytbay LIVING 7 ic Partnerships Sister Cities of Thunder Bay 4 6 DULUTH, MINNESOTA In 1980, Thunder Bay linked with the port city of Duluth, population 85,000. The common shipping heritage, cultural and geographical similarities, and close proximity made becoming Sister Cities natural. Thunder Bay and Duluth citizens regularly visit each other's communities for business or pleasure. GIFU CITY, JAPAN The linkage with Gifu City, population 400,000, is a continuation of Thunder Bay's relationship with Yanaizu, Japan that began in Yanaizu merged into Gifu City in Gifu University for Education and Languages has been conducting annual student exchange programs with a focus on language and culture with Lakehead University in Thunder Bay since High school students, citizens and dignitaries from both communities participate in regular exchanges. JIAOZUO CITY, CHINA On May 29, 2017, representatives from Jiaozuo City visited Thunder Bay. During this tour, a Sister City Agreement was signed. Located on the Yellow River and just south of the Taihang Mountain, Jiaozuo City has a population of 3,540,101 and is known as a centre for mining and education. LITTLE CANADA, MINNESOTA In 1977, the City of Little Canada linked with Thunder Bay. Little Canada has 10,000 residents and is located north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The community was founded in 1844 by a French-Canadian farmer, voyageur and trader, Benjamin Gervais. The city hosts an annual celebration called Canadian Days with Thunder Bay. SEINÄJOKI, FINLAND In 1974, Thunder Bay linked with its first Sister City, Seinäjoki, population 30,000. Located in the Southern Ostrobothnia district of Finland, Seinäjoki is an important regional centre for the arts, commerce and transportation. Seinäjoki is recognized globally for the cultural and administrative buildings designed by Alvar Aalto, considered among the five foremost architects of the 20th century. 7

8 8 LIVING mytbay Local Hip Hop Artist Demonstrates Leadership The 2018 respect. Award was presented to local hip hop artist and mentor Benjamin Murray at Diversity Thunder Bay s 12th Annual Celebration Breakfast for the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The respect. Award recognizes an individual, business or organization that promotes the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that recognize the importance of human dignity, and demonstrates leadership to foster respect for others, said Tina Tucker, Chair of the respect. Working Group. Benjamin Murray uses his own lived experience to inspire positive change in his community and to promote equity, recovery and empowerment. He uses his musical talent to connect Winning the respect. Award is quite the honour. I m hoping that winning it will help people recognize what I m trying to do. Opening a music space would give young people a place to express themselves through hip hop and help light a fire inside them. Benjamin Murray with and mentor youth so that they may be empowered to follow the path of a good life, including self-respect and respect for others. He has promoted recovery to people from all walks of life who have been affected by addictions and mental illness. He is a signed artist with FLVR records, an international record label in Thunder Bay, and has plans to open a studio in the city that will be open to the public and run parallel to a youth centre. respect. is an initiative of the City s Anti-Racism & Respect Advisory Committee and the Crime Prevention Council. The respect. Award is sponsored by Diversity Thunder Bay. thunderbay.ca/respect Increasing Community Safety in the City respect. it begins with you & me. On March 1, the Crime Prevention Council s 2017 Action Report was presented to City Council. 7th ANNUAL ACTION REPORT 2017 This past year we have made great progress on some key initiatives of the Crime Prevention Council. Community safety truly requires a community response, and we could not have done it without the ongoing commitment of our partners to increase safety and well-being for everyone in Thunder Bay. Jeff Upton, Chair of the Crime Prevention Council PRIORITIZING ACTIONS TO INCREASE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND WELL-BEING The Crime Prevention Council developed The strategy also includes four key a new strategic plan, Safer Thunder Bay: approaches, including: Community Safety & Well-Being 1. Using the evidence Strategy. The new strategy has four priority areas, including: 2. Expanding reach and understanding through community engagement and 1. Smart on Crime education 2. Strong Neighbourhoods 3. Cultivating collaborative partnerships 3. Safe Women and Children 4. Advocating for equity and inclusion 4. Empowered Youth to reduce marginalization and discrimination CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL S MISSION To enhance the safety and well-being of everyone in Thunder Bay by engaging the community and advancing ideas and actions that reduce crime, social disorder, victimization and fear of crime. ADVOCATING FOR SAFER MUNICIPALITIES The Crime Prevention Council is a member of the Canadian Municipal Network on Crime Prevention, a community of practice created to build capacity and mobilize Canadian municipalities to prevent and reduce crime and foster community safety and well-being. The Report highlights some of the work being done to improve safety and well-being for all residents of Thunder Bay, including: Mobilizing the community to respond to elevated risk By working with the Thunder Bay Situation Table, the Council aims to bridge gaps to more effectively support individuals who are at higher risk of harm. Increasing safety along watercourses and rivers River safety audits were conducted in response to Recommendation 115 from the Seven Youth Inquest. Physical and social development recommendations to improve safety and security were developed. Many have been implemented, including lighting upgrades. Engaging the community in safety efforts Two summer students were hired as Community Safety Ambassadors to work on safety and harm reduction initiatives, and focus on clean-up activities across the city, including the disposal of drug-related litter. Strengthening neighbourhoods to increase safety The Strong Neighbourhoods Working Group led several initiatives and special events to engage the public in efforts to build a safer community for everyone. These include: 7th Annual Jane s Walk Festival, 5th Annual City Hall Sounds, Strong Block and Fort William Urban Park. Building a respectful and inclusive community Twelve new organizations and businesses joined the respect. initiative in Monthly respect. training modules are being delivered to City employees, and outreach and engagement efforts continue. Working together to reduce violence in Thunder Bay The Crime Prevention Council partnered with the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to initiate a research project on violence in the city. Over 1,200 people took part. A report was released in November 2017 with recommendations to reduce violence. For more information, or to read the full report, visit: thunderbay.ca/crimeprevention

9 mytbay LIVING 9 Register Today for a Spring Clean Up Each year, thousands of Thunder Bay residents take to the streets and green spaces as part of the City s spring clean-up program. events. As a community we can accomplish a great deal. As the snowbanks melt, litter hidden beneath appears. Luckily, with warmer weather comes Spring Up to Clean Up! Citizens are encouraged to join one of the organized community clean-up events, or plan a clean-up for their neighbourhood. Each spring, it is inspiring to see the community step up to answer the call and make our city clean and beautiful once again, said Lee Amelia, Coordinator Waste Diversion. I encourage everyone to do their part, from their own yards to organized Register a clean-up through EcoSuperior and get free clean-up supplies, public promotion and recognition and a chance to win great prizes. All individuals, families, community groups, school and workplaces are invited to participate. Watch for Spring Up to Clean Up events throughout the City. More dates and locations to be announced. For more information, or to register, visit: ecosuperior.org/springup or call SPRING LEAF & YARD WASTE COLLECTION takes place between: TUESDAY, MAY 8 and FRIDAY, MAY 18 Use Kraft (paper) bags only, available at many grocery and hardware stores to collect leaves and organic garden waste, and place at the curb on your regular recycling day. May 2, 10:30 am 20 Minute Makeover for Businesses May 15, 5 pm South Core Neighbourhood Clean-up Help launch the 2018 Spring Up to Clean Up campaign by taking 20 minutes to beautify a workplace neighbourhood or come to the media event at 1141 Barton St., hosted by Dominion Lending Centres Lakehead Financial. Entertainment and refreshments provided. Join members of the South Core Public Safety Task Force, Crime Prevention Council, Fort William BIA, John Howard Society and Shelter House in their mission to tidy the South Core Neighbourhood for the spring season. Meet in front of City Hall. No limit on leaf and yard waste. Bag/bundle must not weigh more than 18 kg (40 lbs.) No grass clippings please. Spring Up to Clean Up is funded by the City of Thunder Bay Infrastructure & Operations Department and delivered by EcoSuperior Environmental Programs. SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES t h u n d e r b ay.c a / l e a f a n d y a r d 20TH ANNIVERSARY FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPRING LEAF & YARD WASTE CURBSIDE COLLECTION CONTACT INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS DISPATCH AT

10 10 LIVING mytbay Project SoundCheck Creates Safer Spaces The Crime Prevention Council, Sexual Abuse Centre Thunder Bay and the City have teamed up to bring a sexual assault prevention project to the community. Project SoundCheck was first introduced in Ottawa in Research from Ottawa found that approximately 25% of sexual assault cases in 2013 occurred at large events. Project SoundCheck is about training people to recognize and intervene in incidents of sexual assault at mass gatherings, such as festivals and concerts, said Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator, Crime Prevention Council. Sexual Abuse Centre Thunder Bay staff will deliver Project SoundCheck training for festival and event organizers, board members, staff and volunteers in Thunder Bay. For more information, or to register, call Space is limited. Plan to attent one of three sessions: THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Regional Food Distribution Association (570 Syndicate Ave. S.) Course Code: THURSDAY, MAY 10 Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre (700 River St.) Course Code: THURSDAY, MAY 17 Mary JL Black Library (901 Edward St. S.) Course Code: All three sessions will run from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Participants only need to attend one of the above sessions. Cost is $15 plus tax per person. THUNDER BAY S FIRST COMMUNITY SPORT NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT Saturday, May 26, :30 am to 3:30 pm West Thunder Community Centre $25 (plus tax) per person Lunch provided Keynote Speaker: Susan Auch 3-time Olympic Medal Winner and CEO, Speed Skating Canada Accessibility If you require accessibility accommodation, please call or pburke@thunderbay.ca. All requests must be received by May 9th. Community sport leaders including board members, coaches, staff and volunteers of leagues, teams and sport program providers are invited to participate in a full day of workshops and discussions. For more information call For more information thunderbay.ca/sportssummit tel: (807) #TbaySport Presented by:

11 mytbay LIVING 11 Every Drop is Superior A Spotlight on City Water The City of Thunder Bay is committed to operating and maintaining a safe, clean, continuous potable water supply to the citizens of Thunder Bay. The recently released 2017 Water Quality Annual Report outlines how the City s drinking water is treated, monitored, and delivered to homes. At the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant, water is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City has also moved to the next phase of its Corrosion Control Plan. The ph of the City s drinking water has been increased to reduce lead levels at the tap by adding small amounts of sodium hydroxide to the water at the Bare Point Water Treatment Plant. Sodium hydroxide is a safe and approved water treatment chemical. "The City conducted a corrosion control pilot study in the Current River area from January 2015 January 2017, and the study confirmed that corrosion control through chemical addition is a safe and effective method to reduce lead levels at the tap," said Michelle Warywoda, Director, Environment. "Throughout 2017, the City replaced over two kilometres of municipally owned lead service pipes as part of the Lead Reduction Strategy." It is apparent that the water system is in good hands and the dedication to safe drinking is exemplary. An external auditor of the City s drinking water quality management system In addition, the Wastewater Treatment Annual Report for 2017 includes statistical details and a comprehensive description of the wastewater treatment process and highlights stormwater management initiatives. thunderbay.ca/water thunderbay.ca/leadpipes thunderbay.ca/wastewater WASTEWATER TREATMENT Annual Report 2017 Wastewater Treatment ANNUAL REPORT 2017 A

12 Every day across Northern Ontario, good people do good work If you work with a community group, a volunteer-run association, a not-for-profit, or a school or neighbourhood committee, apply to the Tbaytel for Good Community Fund. You could receive up to $5,000 for your good project! Check your eligibility online. Tbaytel for Good Community Fund we re in it together Apply online April 4 tbaytelforgood.net