TBB September 2020

Port Grain Shipments Remain Strong

INSIDE Thunder Bay Welcomes $9.4 Million In Federal-Provincial “ Safe Restart Funding” Investment in Cardiovascular Surgical Services Provides Care Closer to Home North Superior Publishing

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Impala Canada Support Local Red Sky Metis Independent Nation Post Secondary Students

Ontario Supports Health Sciences Sector in Thunder Bay

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner

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Port Grain Shipments Remain Strong announced further investment in their hopper car fleets to accommodate larger harvests, which, owing to technological advancements and longer growing seasons, are likely to last. CN has also stepped up its railcar allotment for grain services by 150 extra cars per week for the 2020-21 crop year.

The Port of Thunder Bay continues to experience above-average grain shipments as international demand for wheat remains high through the global pandemic. As of July 31, year-to-date grain tonnage sits 26% higher than last year. July grain shipments were 100,000 metric tonnes higher than the same month last year.

Elsewhere in the port, there was a rise in other dry bulk shipments in July.

These were imported road salt and aggregate for regional consumption.

Strong shipments are anticipated this fall, as well. Canadian farmers are preparing to harvest one of the Top 5 largest crops in history, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s most recent outlook.

Photo Credit Front Cover: Michael Hull

Demonstrating confidence in the future of the Canadian grain trade, both CN and CP railways have recently

Thunder Bay Welcomes $9.4 Million In Federal-Provincial “ Safe Restart Funding” The City of Thunder Bay will receive nearly $9.4 million in Federal-Provincial ‘Safe Restart’ funding to assist with COVID-19 pressures, Mayor Bill Mauro announced today.

“This is incredibly welcome news and a huge relief for Thunder Bay taxpayers, given the many uncertainties they face as a result of COVID-19,” said Mayor Mauro. “I am pleased to advise we are receiving more than $6 million for general operating budget pressures and $3 million for transit for Phase 1 and we anticipate additional support in Phase 2.”

“On behalf of the taxpayers of Thunder Bay, I want to thank the federal and provincial governments for supporting us at this unprecedented time. As well, a

huge thank you to all the municipal organizations that negotiated and advocated on our behalf. They were vigilant in bringing attention to the very significant budget pressures facing cities and towns across Canada as a result of the pandemic.

We truly are working together for everyone’s benefit.”

These organizations include MARCO (Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario), Ontario’s Big City Mayors, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Funding for General Operations Phase 1 of this funding is allocated on a per household basis and the City of Thunder Bay will receive a payment of $6,191,300 to support our COVID-19 operating costs and pressures. If the amount of the funding exceeds our 2020 COVID-19 operating costs and pressures, the province expects the municipality will place the excess funding into reserves to be accessed to support 2021 COVID-19 operating costs and pressures. We must report back with 2020 details by March 2021.

Funding for Transit Operations The City of Thunder Bay will receive a further $3,184,760 to support our COVID-19 pressures for Phase 1, incurred from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. We are required to report back to the province by October 30, 2020 with details on the use of the Phase 1 funds and a forecast of eligible expenditures to March 31, 2021. If the amount of funding allocated in Phase 1 exceeds the Recipients COVID-19 municipal transit pressures, the province’s expectation is that the Recipient will place the excess funding into a reserve account to support Phase 2 COVID-19 pressures the Recipient may continue to incur up to March 31, 2021.

Administration to Revisit Budget Directions “As we continue to reopen the facilities and services that residents rely upon, we will continue to be vigilant and follow our reopening principles,” said City Manager Norm Gale. “We will continue to be careful, thoughtful and fiscally responsible – and bring service level changes to City Council for its consideration.”

Administration is guided by the principles of ‘Safety First’ (for public and employees, as informed by public health professionals); ‘Value for Money’ (reopening programs and services that deliver the

highest value at best cost or adjust services to support cost containment); and ‘Create Opportunity’ (innovative ways to serve the community and support economic recovery.

Linda Evans, City Treasurer and General Manager – Corporate Services & Long Term Care, said Administration will revisit its 2021 budget directions report that will come to City Council on Aug. 24, to evaluate the full impact of this funding announcement.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

Investment in Cardiovascular Surgical Services Provides Care Closer to Home (Thunder Bay, ON – August 11, 2020) Earlier today, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre welcomed a site visit from the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and MPP for Kenora—Rainy River. Minister Rickford visited to applaud our Hospital’s advancements in comprehensive cardiovascular care and reaffirm the Government of Ontario’s commitment to establish a full cardiovascular surgery program for the patients of Northwestern Ontario.

Northwestern Ontario continue receiving closer-to-home cardiovascular care. Since 2017, over 1,300 patients have accessed that care, including 600 vascular surgeries and interventional procedures performed in the angiography suite.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “We also thank the Ontario Government for their support and additional funding increases to support our Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”

blocked vessels, which is vital to avoid amputations. They also repair aortic aneurysms, both by open surgery or performing minimally-invasive endovascular techniques with access via the femoral artery in the groin.

“Providing safe quality, life-saving care closer to home is our goal, and the financial support from our government is vital to achieve it,” said Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO of the Hospital and CEO of the

Vascular surgeons treat diseases of the vascular system (i.e. arteries and veins outside the brain and heart). They treat patients with poor circulation in their lower extremities by providing angioplasty or surgery to open

Previously, patients who required vascular surgery had to be transferred to hospitals outside of Northwestern Ontario for treatment. Now, these frequently urgent procedures are provided at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

"Our government is proud to invest in highquality care closer to home for the people of Northwestern Ontario,” said Minister Rickford. "The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is a hub of medical excellence in Northwestern Ontario, and with our government’s support will now offer expanded cardiovascular surgical services, bringing life-saving care to our region.”

In addition to surge funding provided by the province to address urgent priorities and support regular pressures, the Government has announced today an additional $690,000 one-time funding envelope from the Government of Ontario to ensure patients in

A full cardiovascular surgery program at our Hospital will have an even bigger impact on patient care in our region. Each year, approximately 300 patients from Northwestern Ontario are referred to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at the University Health Network to receive cardiac surgery.

Future investment for cardiac surgery at our Hospital will allow the Hospital to provide this life saving care closer to home.

“A full cardiovascular surgery program at our Hospital will allow patients in Northwestern Ontario to be provided with the same quality cardiovascular care as they would in Southern Ontario, but without the added stress and expense of having to travel,” said Bartkowiak. “It also enables patients living in Northwestern Ontario to receive the life-saving procedures they need in a community that is more sensitive to their needs and more familiar with their circumstances.”

“Northwestern Ontario is a region where a large percentage of the population faces serious medical issues including high rates of cardiac disease, the highest rates of amputation in the province, along with high rates of diabetes and stroke. Local access to cardiovascular surgery services is critical to save both lives and limbs,” commented Kyle Shaen, Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.

“The funding commitment by the Government of Ontario, along with the financial support of our generous community, will ensure we have better cardiovascular care here at home.”

In this photo (L-R): The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and MPP for Kenora— Rainy River; Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO of the Hospital and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute; Dr. Zaki Ahmed, Chief of Staff, Hospital; Dr. Peter Voros, Executive Vice President, In-Patient Care Programs, Hospital; Dr. Stewart Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Regional Programs, Clinical Supports & Medical Affairs, Hospital; Paul Fitzpatrick, Chair, Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign; and Kyle Shaen, Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

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Quick Studies on: Memory, Knees and Activity, Sleep vs Hunger and Muscle Mass vs In Activity Aspirin and Memory Does Aspirin help keep you mind sharp? Scientists randomly assigned roughly 19 000 people to take a daily 100 mg coated aspirin or a placebo (low dose aspirin has 81 mg while a regular has 325 mg). After 5 years, the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s mild cognitive impairment and cognitive decline was the same in both groups.

What to do: Don’t take aspirin to protect or improve your memory.

The Knees Have It Does strenuous exercise boost your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee?

Researchers followed nearly 1,200 middle-aged and older people at high risk for knee arthritis because of knee pain and stiffness or excess weight, family history or a knee injury, but with no sign of arthritis on x-rays.

After 10 years, those who did strenuous activities, like jogging, swimming cycling, tennis, aerobic dance or skiing, were no more likely to be diagnosed with arthritis on x-rays than

those who did none. Another study of 156 people with knee arthritis, those randomly assigned to get physical therapy had less pain, stiffness and impaired function than those who got steroid injections. What to do: Keep moving!

And consider physical therapy for your knees.

Less Sleep Makes Me Hungry Less sleep may make you hungrier.

Researchers randomly assigned 24 women who typically slept 7-9 hours a night, to either one night of sleep for their usual duration or to a night of sleep for one third fewer hours. The day after sleeping less, the women reported more hunger and stronger food cravings than after a normal night of sleep. They also served themselves

14 percent more calories for lunch and clicked a computer mouse button in exchange for chocolate candy more often. What to do: If you are trying to lose weight one of the first things to do is get a full night’s sleep regularly.

Just Two Weeks of Inactivity Takes a Toll What happens when you are stuck at home with fewer opportunities to exercise? Researchers had 22 overweight people with prediabetes cut down on their usual steps per day from 7000 to 1000 for two weeks and then return to their normal activity for another two weeks. Results showed that during the inactive period there was an increase in insulin resistance and blood sugar and a decrease in the rate of muscle protein creation. None of those things were fully recovered after the two-week period of returning to usual activity. In North America, 75% of people over 65 years old have either prediabetes or outright type 2 diabetes.

When it comes to muscle mass, older people are also at a disadvantage. After

40 or 50 years old, we start to lose 1 to 2 percent of our muscle mass per year.

During a period of inactivity, you lose muscle whether you are young or old.

So inactivity combined with loss of muscle mass due to aging gives a double whammy for older people. On top of that, seniors do not regenerate lost muscle as well as younger people so recovery time is much longer even if you start back on regular activity.

What to do: stay active as much as possible. Especially with exercises that build strength such as stair climbing, walking, squats, jogging and cycling. (excerpts taken from Nutrition Action Health letter – July/August 2020) James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit www.portarthurchiropractic.com

Palliative Carelink Introduced in Thunder Bay to Improve Care for people with life-limiting illnesses cates wisdom and light and holds insights of adaptability in life. It’s considered a symbol of transformation because of the way that it grows, living a complete life in only months;” explains Reegan Bushby, Therapist for Palliative Carelink.“The dragonfly demonstrates how a client can adapt to their situation and be peaceful with the support of their circle of care.”

Palliative Carelink has registered 24 clients after being in operation for only 14 weeks in Thunder Bay. The health care providers behind the new program say this is a good start and a true testament to the need for this type of service in the city.

Palliative Carelink is a community collaboration of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists and other allied health care professionals that strive to implement an earlier approach to palliative care. Through individually centered care plans that are developed with care providers, Palliative Carelink extends beyond the client, supporting their family and closest loved ones. It focuses on the individual’s comfort and takes into account the emotional, physical and spiritual needs and the goals of the person being cared for.

“Our team used research and proven practices to guide the development of Palliative Carelink. The model of care has been adapted to our community and bridges existing support and services;” explains Tricia Jordan, Manager of Palliative Carelink. "We have heard from individuals in the past that supporting a family member with life-limiting illness could be made much easier with increased coordination of supports and care. A wrap around approach with help to navigate the journey from diagnosis to death is the overall intent of Palliative Carelink.”

Palliative Carelink connects clients,

Palliative Carelink takes care of a client’s present condition while planning for future needs. The new program is available to any individual who has been diagnosed with a lifelimiting illness and doesn’t necessarily mean end of life care. There is a wide range of life-limiting illnesses, including heart failure, lung disease, neurological conditions, and cancer that is no longer responding to treatment intended to cure. caregivers, families and providers to programs and services to ensure that clients receive the best care possible.

The program is a common thread that assists with ensuring access to expertise and consultation in addition to advance care planning and support with difficult discussions and choices.

Palliative Carelink partners include NorWest Community Health Centres, Hospice Northwest, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St Joseph’s Care Group, Home & Community Care/Ontario Health North and the Palliative Physician group of Thunder Bay. “Living with a life-limiting illness can be very difficult. Palliative Carelink

understands that illnesses and their treatments affect quality of life, while the stress of what a client is going through, can have a big impact on their family;” says Melora Serediuk, Nurse Navigator of Palliative Carelink.

“Palliative Carelink offers many benefits to the client, which has a positive downstream effect to their families. We know family members are feeling the strain when someone they love is ill”.

“The Palliative Carelink brand features a dragonfly, that in almost every part of the world symbolizes change, and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity, and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. The dragonfly also indi-

“Families continue to highlight the importance of a close relationship between health professionals and themselves. If you have someone that you think could benefit from Palliative Carelink, please contact us,” continues Serediuk.

For further details on Palliative Carelink, visit: norwestchc.org/palliativecarelink

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

Ontario Supports Health Sciences Sector in Thunder Bay Funding will create new jobs and promote economic development The Ontario government is providing $845,566 to help two companies in Thunder Bay develop new products and technologies that will support the health sciences sector and create skilled worker jobs. The funding will be delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

"Supporting the health sciences sector across Northern Ontario is an important part of our government's plan to create

more jobs and economic development in the North," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. "With these investments, we are supporting the growth of cutting-edge technology, while significantly enhancing patient care across Ontario and beyond."

Radialis Medical is receiving $434,000 in funding to develop and manufacture a Low-Dose Positron Emission Tomography (LD-PET) system, an advanced nuclear imaging system that detects breast cancer.

The technology lowers the amount of radiation exposure to patients and technicians, while increasing the quality of images which can lead to earlier detection.

RegenMed is receiving $411,566 in funding to develop a new product called DermGen to help heal diabetic foot ulcers more efficiently, reducing the chance of complications that can cause damage to tissues and bone that may require amputation of a toe, foot or part of a leg. It can also be used to treat acute and chronic wounds, as well as burns. DermGen treats donated human tissue and reduces the risk of infections following skin grafts, while improving patient healing and recovery.

For questions or assistance with federal government programs our office is happy to help you by appointment only at this time.

"After scientific discovery, but before commercial product launch, it can be difficult to find financing for Canadian innovations," said Michael Waterston, CEO, Radialis Medical. "The support programs from the Ontario government's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation are tailored to help companies through the stages of medical technology development and validation. The combination of the fantas-

tic science from Lakehead University and the support for local companies makes Thunder Bay a great location for Radialis to develop and manufacture our medical imaging system."

"We are very excited to bring this advanced technology to the field of wound care as it represents a significant advancement in wound care management," said David Stezenko, Executive Director, RegenMed. "One of the most impactful benefits of DermGENTM will be its low cost for Canadian clinicians. To date, Acellular Dermal Matrix is predominantly cost prohibitive for Canadian hospitals and this restricts our country's standard of care.

This will soon change with the introduction of DermGENTM into the Canadian market, all while creating high skilled jobs here in Northwestern Ontario. We are thankful to the Ontario government for making this possible."

Continued

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Ontario Supports Health Sciences Sector Thunder Bay Continued The NOHFC promotes economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects - big and small, rural and urban - that stimulate growth, job creation and skilled workforce development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $193 million in 1,386 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $748 million in investment and creating or sustaining 3,912 jobs.

The government is moving forward with a regional approach to Stage 3 of reopening, as the province implements its made-inOntario plan for renewal, growth and economic recovery. For a full list of regions that have entered Stage 3, as well as a list of restrictions that remain in place, please visit ontario.ca/reopen.

Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs “We are here in Thunder Bay today to celebrate a number of health technology and health science announcements. Thunder Bay has fast become a place that has cutting edge technology that will serve the world. We are on the move here in Thunder Bay.” “ I served as a nurse in the isolated communities north of Thunder Bay for more than a decade of my life and we have always been aware of the potential here to serve the region with technology.”

Michael Waterston,CEO Radialis Medical “The project has been going on for a few years as we moved the technology from the original scientific discovery to a saleable product.We have our clinical data now that we are very pleased with and so we are

preparing a regulatory package for approval.” “ Our product is a breast imaging system that uses PET. Our system is far more sen-

sitive, will require less radiation and provide a better image for the physician. It is easier to install and this will make it more available. We are hopeful it will be used in

other areas of diagnosis as well say with the prostate. We use the isotopes manufactured here in Thunder Bay and could be able to manufacture the system here.”

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Lakehead researchers hope the Ontario government will integrate registered mental health providers into OHIP Two Lakehead University researchers have published a paper in the Canadian Journal of Public Health encouraging the province to integrate registered mental health providers into the public health

which limits access to appropriate and sustainable mental health care.

“The fear, grief, social isolation, and financial and occupational losses from COVID-19 have created a mental-health crisis,” Dr. Scharf said.

The researchers said Ontario’s attempt to rapidly expand mental health-care access due to COVID-19 includes new Ontario Health Insurance Program billing codes that enable physicians to provide trauma counselling over the phone and patient self-serve online tools – while psychologists and other registered mental health provider services have been largely left out of the provincial response.

“Non-physician mental health providers operate outside of the provincial healthcare infrastructure, including the OHIP provincial payer system that facilitated the provincial physician response,” Dr. Oinonen said.

Dr. Deborah Scharf

insurance system.

In the article released on August 7, Lakehead psychology professors Drs. Deborah Scharf and Kirsten Oinonen, who are both registered clinical psychologists, argued Ontario’s COVID-19 response highlights shortcomings of its physician-only public health-care system,

“A physician-centric mental health-care system limits public access to quality, sustainable, evidence-based mental health services, because most physicians do not have the capacity, training, or desire to provide mental health services,” she added.

The researchers described several problems with Ontario’s physician-centric response to COVID-19, including that physicians do not typically provide psychotherapy; payment incentives in medi-

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cine have not typically increased public access to mental health-care; shortages of psychiatrist and other public mental health-care services mean that physicians have nowhere within the public system to refer their patients with severe or emergency mental health issues, among other concerns.

Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies,

“A physician-centric approach to providing emergency mental health services puts patients at risk from inadequate or inappropriate care while increasing stress on primary care providers whose services are desperately needed elsewhere during COVID-19,” Dr. Scharf said.

The researchers believe the government should create trial-billing mechanisms through provincial public health insurance for registered mental health providers and introduce standardized provincial-required reporting of registered mental health providers including their capacities.

In May, the federal government introduced $240 million to support online mental health-care and medical services.

“We hope the federal and provincial governments leverage psychologists and other registered mental health practitioners in their response,” Dr. Oinonen said.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay,

Dr. Kirsten Oinonen

Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. In 2019, Maclean’s 2020 University Rankings, once again, included Lakehead University among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, while Research Infosource named Lakehead 'Research University of the Year' in its category for the fifth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

COVID, THE COURTS, LAWYERS, AND YOU © 2020 Brian Babcock Soon after the pandemic was declared, Ontario courts stopped doing business as usual. Now as the courts re-open, we see that the beginning of a “new normal” as the court system will never be the same. In this area, the Covid cloud does bring a few silver linings.

Legal Matters While only dealing with urgent matters, the courts implemented a system for electronic filing of additional court documents.

As they gradually re-open for more mat-

ters, this will not change. Instead, they have launched a new platform to allow efiling of hundreds of different documents.

This long overdue move is small reward for surviving a pandemic, but will greatly increase efficiency, saving time and cost.

Another change that will be around for a while, and possibly permanently, is increased use of video conferencing for some court hearings. Courts have experimented with remote technology for years – some courtrooms in “new” Thunder Bay Courthouse courtrooms were equipped with cameras that were seldom used, because they only linked to compatible justice system sites. Recently, a sophisticated system from America was tried, but only reached the pilot project stage.

Many court appearances are routine, and

brief, but still require lawyers or witnesses to attend in person which is time consuming, inefficient and expensive. Simply using video conferencing for scheduling appearances, adjournments and consent matters offers huge savings. Going further and using video conferencing to hold some conferences, argue motions, take witness testimony remotely, and hear certain appeals, offers long term gains that should be passed on to you. It is too early to know exactly how this will shake out long term, but early indications are promising.

The pandemic also has affected how lawyers do business. Physical distancing has led to fewer in person meetings, more use of video. Emergency orders and legislation have made it easier to remotely swear affidavits and sign legal documents,

including wills and powers of attorney.

This is often more convenient, quicker, and cost effective. We still do not know which of these changes will be permanent, but legal organizations are busily advocating the government to maintain the best of these changes.

Whether you are dealing with the courts, changing your will, or buying a house, the lessons learned responding to the pandemic have improved the legal system for your benefit. If you want to know more about access to justice post pandemic, Weilers lawyers would be happy to answer your questions.

Be safe. Wear a mask.

Ontario Makes Investments to Improve Fort William Historical Park and ensuring that we continue to be the cultural and tourism focal point for Northern Ontario."

Since reopening on July 24, 2020, Fort William Historical Park has been offering incentives to attract visitors and families, including reduced admission rates for the 2020 season. This year, admission is only $5 per person, with guests under the age of 12 admitted free. In addition, Fort William Historical Park is providing free admission every Friday for the month of August to frontline health care workers. This initiative was implemented to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Fort William Historical Park has implemented stringent health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, including the addition of hand sanitizing stations located through-

At the same time the province is supporting Northern Ontario’s tourism industry August 21, 2020 10:15 A.M. Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

THUNDER BAY - The Ontario government is investing nearly $13 million to make capital improvements at Fort William Historical Park, one of Northern Ontario's leading tourist attractions and one of the largest living history attractions in North America. Fort William Historical Park is devoted to re-creating the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade.

The announcement was made today in Thunder Bay by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, and Sergio Buonocore, General Manager of Fort William Historical Park.

"As I tour the province, people tell me about the devastating impact the COVID-

tourism within Northern Ontario.

Quick Facts • During her Northern tourism tour, Minister MacLeod has visited numerous heritage, sport, tourism and culture attractions to announce more than $25 million in grants and strategic investments in the North.

• In July 2020, Fort William Historical Park was awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2020 Award. This award is given to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top ten per cent of properties on TripAdvisor.

• In April 2020, Fort William Historical Park was the recipient of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Commitment to Quality Award for its extensive efforts to provide quality

19 outbreak has had on their business and Ontario's tourism sector as a whole," said Minister MacLeod. "Fort William Historical Park is an economic catalyst for the region, which is why our government is continuing to invest in Northern Ontario.

We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to safely explore one of Ontario's award-winning heritage attractions this season and for years to come."

Recent capital investments in the 47-yearold property include projects such as: • Development of a new access road to streamline traffic flow and allow for larger events.

• Site rehabilitation to repair and maintain heritage structures throughout the fort.

• Remediation and repairs needed due to recent flooding.

out the fort, mandatory face-coverings for all guests over the age of two and physical distancing. Visitors are encouraged to review current COVID-19 updates before visiting and are asked to respect health and safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. For additional safety, download the COVID Alert app.

"Fort William Historical Park welcomes the ongoing support of the province," said Sergio Buonocore, General Manager. "The work being completed is essential to keeping this attraction in excellent condition,

The government recently announced a $1.2-million investment through Destination Ontario and Destination Northern Ontario for a new multi-seasonal marketing campaign encouraging domestic

customer service, as well as its operational systems in place that exceed visitor expectations.

Additional Resources • Plan your visit to Fort William Historical Park • Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID19

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2020

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Riding ATV’s in Thunder Bay - A Fun Experience

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Great Outdoors As a young boy growing up in a small town in NW Ontario I became an instant snowmobile enthusiast. During this time there was also another outdoor activity, riding a machine with an engine- ATVing.

Maybe it was because I spend a lot of time on the golf course but I had never really had much time riding ATV’s. It was a great afternoon many years back when I got the chance to change this and ride both a Polaris and Yamaha ATV. We started our ride at Mirror Lake campground and went across the highway and all around Loon Lake before coming back down the pipe line almost as far as Pearl. We are about 1/2 hour drive from Thunder Bay just past Pass Lake.

It is beautiful out here. There are hundreds and hundreds of miles of trail.

We did a little bit of rock trails and some back trails. There are even more aggressive trails out there as well. The ATV's can go fairly deep into a couple feet of water. They are stable and agile as long as you ride within your abilities and the machine’s abilities. They are pretty safe. There are a lot trails and many riders out here. It is an increasing and growing market.

On that ride we had a Yamaha 550 with electronic power steering in Yamaha’s full sized chassis. They offer a smaller chassis in the 450 machine. It is a single cylinder 550 which is probably the most popular sized engine now.

The power steering in my opinion is one of the best introductions to ATVing that has happened. Yamaha was the first to come out with power steering and it works really well. It is electric as opposed to hydraulic as on your car.

Our other machine then was a Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring with power steering. It had the back seat on it so the chassis is a little longer to legally accommodate a passenger. The engine is a twin cylinder in the Polaris XD chassis which they brought out a couple of years ago.

I found the day riding ATV’s fun! It is much different seeing grass and

encountering rocks and running water than the frozen conditions during snowmobiling. It did offer great scenery, fresh air and a challenge to navigate your route which I enjoyed. Now I have started cutting into my golf time with ATV’s!

Today my second owned ATV is a Polaris Scrambler 850LE complete with FOX shocks, a HO engine and LED lights!It’s a performance machine which I probably don’t use to full performance but still fun to ride each week!

Visit www.thunderbaybusiness.ca

for information on the Thunder Bay area!

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Impala Canada Support Local Red Sky Metis Independent Nation Post Secondary Students Impala Canada has funded four bursaries to local Red Sky Metis Independent Nation Post Secondary Students. These funds were presented at a recent ceremony at the Red Sky Metis offices in Thunder Bay. Karlene Nummikoski taking Psychology at Lakehead University “ This will be my first year in the program.

I am very sociable and would like to be able to help people in rehabilitation centres like prisons. The scholarship will help me get a new laptop because everything has to be done online now from home until January.”

Karlene had a 95% average in Grade 12 at Westgate CDI High School.

“ The emphasis will be on heath aspects like making vaccines. In life I always found that enjoyable. It will be a four year program.That is huge amount and will help with the tuition.We will start study at home except for labs and then switch to classes.” “ My goal is to become a pharmacologist, actually making medicine and vaccines.

After there will be more training with a Masters and PHD program possibly at Halifax. I have patience so taking time to learn something is ok.”

Rebecca Machura taking Psychology at Lakehead University Angie Michel taking social work at Confederation College Mike Wanecki,Environmental & Communications Superintendent with Impala Canada provided the scholarship in the amount of $ 500.00 to each student.

Dante Miecznikowski is taking chemistry at Lakehead University for his first year medical sciences.