One City. Fifty Years.

Jan. 1, 2020 marked 50 years since the amalgamation of the former cities of Fort William and Port Arthur with Neebing and McIntyre Townships, resulting in what is now the City of Thunder Bay. We invite you to spend some time exploring our 50th pages for stories, history and memorable moments that define our city.

Celebration Video

Check out our 50th Anniversary celebration video and journey through 50 years of Thunder Bay. One City. Fifty Years.

50th Anniversary Logo

50th Anniversary logo

The 50th anniversary logo was inspired by the coming together of two cities, Port Arthur and Fort William, in amalgamation to form Thunder Bay. Read more about the history of amalgamation.

In the 50th logo, the "5" incorporates graphics that represent Port Arthur landmarks and the "0" incorporates Fort William landmarks, which come together to form Thunder Bay.

Port Arthur graphics included in the "5":

  • the grain elevators
  • Sleeping Giant / Naniboujou
  • waterfront
  • breakwall

Fort William graphics included in the "0":

  • City Hall
  • Mount McKay / Animikii Wajiw
  • parks
  • rail

Building block tiles inspired by our city have also been incorporated into the 50th anniversary materials and designs to showcase our city. These include: the Sleeping Giant  / Naniboujou, grain elevators, lakes, rivers, breakwall, sun, clouds, City Hall, Mount McKay / Animikii Wajiw, Rail, the Pagoda, Terry Fox monument, Fort William Historical Park, twin bells of amalgamation, curling clubs, Thunder Bay Soroptimist International Friendship Garden, waterfalls, and portage.    

50th Committee

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. 

With a focus on Thunder Bay’s people, success stories, history, culture, heritage and diversity, the committee meets to plan a variety of signature activities, including legacy projects for 2020.

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 Committee will continue to meet into 2021 to oversee 50th anniversary legacy projects.

50th Souvenirs 

One City Hat

One City Snapback Hat - $35

A tribute hat to the amalgamation of the former cities of Fort William and Port Arthur with Neebing and McIntyre Townships. 

The One City snapback celebrates Thunder Bay and it's 50 year anniversary. This vibrant blue and gold cap is colour-matched to the City's 

corporate colours and designed to pop. The "50" logo is intricately embroidered on the front panel, while the City logo and "One City, Fifty Years" lays on either side. Show your Thunder Bay pride with this fully customized Lost Art cap, collaboratively built with the City of Thunder Bay.

Order now: https://shop.lostart.ca/products/one-city-snapback 

Past Anniversaries

Watch some of Thunder Bay's past milestone celebrations.

Thunder Bay's 25th Anniversary Celebration

 

 

Thunder Bay's 30th Anniversary Celebration

 

Upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebrations & Looking Back Over the Years

 

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