Regional Multicultural Youth Council

10/15/2026

Wednesday October 14, 2026

Only a dozen buses (out of about 50) are on the roads today evening by City of Thunder Bay - Municipal Government, Ontario, Canada's Thunder Bay Transit division.

10/15/2026

Monday October 12, 2026

Only 10 buses are on the roads today evening - out of a fleet of about 50 (no cancellations) by City of Thunder Bay - Municipal Government, Ontario, Canada's Thunder Bay Transit division - on a holiday reduced service frequency of 45 minutes.

10/15/2026

Thunder Bay Transit: Riders Deserve Better, and So Do the Drivers

I've heard from a growing number of Thunder Bay residents who are frustrated with our public transit system and some have talked to me throughout the campaign, or on line about it, and frankly, I feel that frustration. Buses running late, routes being cancelled and passengers left waiting, sometimes in bitterly cold weather, are not acceptable standards for an essential public service. For many residents, transit isn't a convenience. It's their only means of getting to work, attending classes, making medical appointments and buying groceries. When that service fails, many are left with no other options.

Council has been talking improvements to transit for years. In 2024, the City advanced plans for on-demand transit as part of its broader Transforming Thunder Bay Transit initiative. Now, in 2026, another Transit Service Optimization Review is examining our conventional routes, service gaps, accessibility and new operating models. Recommendations aren't expected until later this year, with on-demand services being introduced in phases through 2028. I get that restructuring an entire transit network takes work, but how many more studies and years of waiting should passengers have to endure before they see meaningful improvements?

There’s another part that can’t be overlooked: the safety, security and working conditions of our transit operators. Drivers are on the front lines every day, dealing with difficult situations while having the responsibility of getting passengers safely to their destinations. They deserve a workplace where they feel safe, supported and respected. That means reviewing security protocols, ensuring appropriate responses to threatening or abusive behaviour, and addressing scheduling pressures and working conditions that can contribute to stress and burnout. We can’t expect a dependable transit system without making the people operating it a top priority.

Meanwhile, fares increased again on April 1, 2026. A single cash fare is now $3.25, and an adult monthly pass costs $92.65. That's a big expense for someone depending on transit every day, particularly when they can't be sure their bus will arrive.

I believe Council should consider a temporary reduction in transit fares of at least 50% until real service improvements are implemented and reliability is restored. Riders shouldn't have to pay more for a service that is letting them down.

I also want immediate action rather than waiting for another final report. That means publicly reporting cancelled trips and on-time performance, addressing staffing shortages, improving operator safety, and establishing measurable service standards. Residents and drivers deserve to know what's being done and when they can expect results.

Northwood residents, like transit users across Thunder Bay, deserve dependable and safe public transportation. I fully support modernizing transit, but success has to be measured and real for both the people riding our buses and those behind the wheel.

Public transit is a public responsibility. If we're asking residents to depend on it, and drivers to deliver it, we have an obligation to make it reliable, affordable and safe for everyone.

Vote John Ongaro - Northwood. See less

10/15/2026

Local councilor Brian Hamilton's 'our plan' (without input from Thunder Bay Transit operators' union and riders was to drastically reduce services to 45 minute frequency, a month after raising fares from fools day, all day everyday, regardless of the lay-offs of drivers and inconvenience of riders. Even with reduced services in evenings, Sundays, Holidays, the regime is unable to even run a mere dozen buses without cancellations and 'ghost buses' that never show up!

09/16/2026

Hey artists! The RMYC has a new DIY program!! Every Friday you can join a creative group of youth and create your own DIY projects.

Our DIY group is anything but limited you can choose to do any form of art there is drawing, painting 🎨, sewing 🪡, writing ✍️, anything you want.

So this Friday, bring your art medium and the determination to create something amazing. From 5pm - 8pm at the Mandarin (125 Brodie St. S.)

We can’t wait to see what you create!🎨

09/15/2026

RMYC Study Nights are back again!! We’re going 3 for 3 on our third year! Study Nights provide a safe, calm but also fun environment for youth to get their homework (or any work) done efficiently. Bring a friend, a sibling or just yourself, your presence is appreciated. Study Nights run every Tuesday from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Mandarin Restaurant - 125 Brodie St. S. Free snacks and dinner is provided each week, we can’t wait to see you all there!

09/09/2026

On behalf of the RMYC and all it’s member we want to give a big thank you to everyone who attended our Concert fundraiser. It was definitely a success and we appreciate all those who donated ❤️. We want to give an especially big thank you to all the bands and artists who played, Dongy 🐉, Loudtooth Marlon Legarde, Zander you guys were genuinely phenomenal and we hope to be able to work with you again. Thank you to all our sponsors, and most notably Youth Wellness Hub - City & District of Thunder Bay for allowing us to use your space. And last but certainly not least a thank you to the person who put this all together and made it possible Abigail Heron | Birdy, we appreciate all the time and effort you put in to making this happen we couldn’t have done it without you. We cannot fully express our gratitude to everyone who made this fundraiser truly amazing. ❤️‍🔥

09/04/2026

Hey Thunder Bay, join the RMYC team Thursday, September 10th for our new Kitchen Exploration workshop! Learn fun cooking skills, meet new people and enjoy your delicious meal afterwards. The week’s recipe is PIZZA! Mark your calendars for September 10th from 6-9 pm at Roots Community Food Centre, (450 Fort William Road). Spots are limited so scan the QR code or use the link to register- FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceRJozLxIF9wioP37OYT6dlGCj9CWETn1ItacTBBysid1sOQ/viewform?usp=header

09/02/2026

08/25/2026

‼️ATTENTION‼️ youth ages 7-14, Youth Power Is Back! Starting this Friday, August 28th 2026. Join the RMYC team for a day full of games, learning and fun! This week’s theme is the Golden Rule⭐️: Treat Other How You Want To Be Treated. With bullying on the rise we want to reinforce ideas of respect and kindness. We’ll be at the Northwood Playfield from 12pm - 2pm. We hope to see you there!