August 5, 2026 – The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has advised that a blue-green algae (BGA) bloom was reported on August 4, 2026. The bloom was observed at Dog Falls (Upper Cascades) on the Kaministiquia River above Little Dog Lake, and within Silver Falls Provincial Park.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

• drinking the water;

• using it for household purposes; or

• swimming in it.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae (BGA) in a water sample collected within a bay along the southern shoreline of Hawkeye Lake on July 29, 2026. Hawkeye Lake is located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

- drinking the water;

- using it for household purposes; or

- swimming in it.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has advised that a blue-green algae bloom was reported on July 25, 2026. The bloom was observed at Bolduc Bay on Dog Lake, approximately 7.5 kilometers northeast of Silver Falls Provincial Park.  Dog Lake is located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

- drinking the water;

- using it for household purposes; or

- swimming in it.

TBDHU is improving its infrastructure at 999 Balmoral St office to improve client access and the overall integrity of the property.

New sidewalks have been built recently to improve client access. The next phase will include resurfacing the accessible and general parking area to renew aging infrastructure and improve overall accessibility.

As wildfire smoke continues to affect air quality across the region, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is encouraging residents to protect their family and their health by reducing their exposure to wildfire smoke.

(Thunder Bay, Ont.) The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) continues to monitor the evolving wildfire situation and the heavy smoke affecting air quality across the region.

TBDHU extends its thoughts to everyone affected by these devastating circumstances and recognizes the significant challenges the wildfires are creating for individuals, families, communities, and emergency responders across the region.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae (BGA) in a water sample collected at Burbidge Bay within the East Bay of Dog Lake on July 13, 2026. Dog Lake is located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay.

Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:

- drinking the water;

- using it for household purposes; or

- swimming in it.

(Thunder Bay, ON) Thunder Bay District Health Unit is advising the public that eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccination has been expanded in relation to an ongoing outbreak in Manitoba.

As of June 21, 2026, there have been 826 reported cases of hepatitis A in Manitoba since September 2024, mainly spread through person-to-person contact. There have been 183 hospitalizations, eight admissions to intensive care, and seven deaths since September 2024.

The Active Commute Challenge (ACC) officially launched today with a group ride showcasing Thunder Bay’s multi-use trail system, including a stop at the Bike Shack, operated by Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU).

The event was co-hosted by LUSU and Lakehead’s Office of Sustainability, bringing together community leaders, partners, sponsors, and workplace champions to promote sustainable commuting. Included were remarks from partners, an overview of the challenge, and opportunities for networking, with participants connecting with event hosts to learn how to get involved.