TBDHU Temporarily Adjusts Services Due to Poor Air Quality

(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.

Blue-Green Algae Identified at Dog Lake

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.

Hepatitis A Vaccine Eligibility Related to Ongoing Outbreak in Northern Manitoba

(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.

Active Commute Challenge 2026 Kicks Off

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.

Board of Health Appoints Dr. Greg Holzman as Medical Officer of Health and CEO

The Board of Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Greg Holzman as the incoming Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU). Dr. Holzman will officially assume the role on Monday, June 8th. His appointment is subject to the Minister of Health's approval, as required under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

TBDHU Launches Campaign to Raise Syphilis Awareness

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has launched its 2026 syphilis awareness campaign in response to high rates of syphilis in the region.

Syphilis is a treatable bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact, or from a pregnant parent to their baby. Symptoms of syphilis are often subtle and easily missed. However, untreated syphilis infections can lead to major health complications that can affect the brain, heart, bones, or blood vessels, and even lead to death.

Creating Change Through Conversation: Beyond Diet Culture

Canadian culture is strongly influenced by diet culture — a set of beliefs that promotes a narrow idea of health and body size, often linking physical appearance to personal worth. Diet culture encourages unrealistic body standards and places heavy emphasis on food rules and weight-focused goals. By labelling food and bodies as “good” or “bad” or “healthy” or “unhealthy”, it can contribute to shame, guilt, and strained relationships with food and body image. 

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