City Council is welcoming the public to share in extending messages of condolence to honour the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Queen,” said the Mayor of Thunder Bay. “With a life spanning 96 years, she has garnered much love and respect from people around the world. Her passing marks the end of an era as England’s longest reigning monarch. She leaves a legacy that will long be remembered. The Queen and the Royal Family will be in the thoughts and prayers of many in our city.”

Queen Elizabeth II visited Thunder Bay prior to amalgamation with the Duke of Edinburgh touring both Port Arthur and Fort William on Oct. 29, 1951, on their first Royal tour as newlyweds. A follow up visit to our city by the pair occurred in the summer of 1959 on their tour to open the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In her honour, all flags at City facilities, which are not currently at half-mast, will be lowered. A book of condolences will be set up in the lobby of City Hall beginning at 10 am on Friday, Sept. 9, for anyone wishing to share their words of sympathy with the family of the late Queen Elizabeth. The book of condolence will be available until Friday, Sept. 23 for residents to sign. The condolence book and a letter from Mayor and Council will be sent to Buckingham Palace to honour her passing. 

The Harry Kirk Archives and Records Centre has created a Flikr photo album of the 1951 Royal visit to share memories of the Queen. The public is invited to view the photos on the Thunder Bay Archives Flickr page.

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Contact:       Krista Power, City Clerk - 625-2238

 

1951 Royal visit to Fort William and Port Arthur

1951 Royal visit to Fort William.