On January 1, 2020 Thunder Bay will celebrate 50 years since the amalgamation of the cities of Fort William, Port Arthur and towns of Neebing and McIntyre merging to create Thunder Bay.

Mayor Bill Mauro, Councillor Shelby Ch’ng and members of the 50th Anniversary Committee announced today the city’s plans for a year’s worth of activities and incentives to help celebrate the upcoming 50th Anniversary.

The 50th Anniversary Committee began as the official Civic Pride Task Force in 2016. Recognizing the City was soon to turn 50, the committee revised its direction to encompass a focus on generating civic pride in time for Thunder Bay’s 50th, as well as instilling excitement for the future.

The committee includes representatives from Chamber of Commerce, Lakehead University, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, Thunder Bay Historical Museum and Thunder Bay Public Library. In addition, Committees of Council representatives from Clean, Green and Beautiful, Sister Cities, and Official Recognition join city officials to round out the 50th committee.

“The Corporation is hard at work on a years-worth of activities to celebrate the last 50 years of Thunder Bay’s people, success stories, history, culture, heritage and diversity,” said Mayor Bill Mauro.

“Tourism Thunder Bay will be promoting a campaign throughout the year to engage residents to be ambassadors for our community and invite their friends and family to plan a visit back to Thunder Bay in 2020.”

The 50th anniversary logo was inspired by the coming together of two cities, Port Arthur and Fort William, in amalgamation to form Thunder Bay. The "5" incorporates graphics that represent Port Arthur landmarks and the "0" incorporates Fort William landmarks, which come together to form Thunder Bay.

“Celebrations will kick-off with an opening community celebration taking place on New Year’s Day, in partnership with HMCS Griffin and Thunder Bay Garrison,” said Councillor Shelby Ch’ng, Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee.

“We will be opening the time capsule from 25 years ago, holding a community pancake breakfast, and there will be free activities for the community in Waverly Park so mark your calendars!”

Residents and visitors can also expect to see an added 50th flair to all City annual events, including a special Homecoming event in August, and a culminating community event at the end of the year.

“We would also like to encourage local business and organizations to adopt this beautiful 50th Anniversary theme and logo for their events, and products,” added Ch’ng. “We are already moving forward with a few local businesses, and would love to see more adopt this new logo.”

A collection of photos will also be available of memorable moments that define Thunder Bay. Photos will be posted to the website highlighting a moment from Thunder Bay’s history. Residents can share their memories by commenting and submitting their own memorable moments from the past 50 years.

Other projects and activities throughout the year include:

  • Website engagement opportunities
  • Special scrolls recognizing 50th Birthdays and Anniversaries in 2020
  • One-time, short-term funding for special activities or events with 50th Anniversary theme
  • New time capsule created
  • Dedicated Art Transit bus
  • New Digital Walking tour app
  • City Hall and street light banners
  • Legacy projects
  • And much more!

For more details and 50th Anniversary information, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/onecityfiftyyears 

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Contact: Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications, 625-3650