Fourth Annual Northwest Climate Gathering: October 17, 2026
Active Transportation in Thunder Bay will be the focus of this year’s Gathering. We are building community to mobilze change!
Saturday October 17, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Outpost: Lakehead University
Lunch provided.
Want to volunteer? Email The Gathering! NWClimateGathering@gmail.com.
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual NW Climate Gathering.
We recommend attending the full event from 10 am to 3 pm. Doors open at 9:30; come get your name tag and start to meet people before the formal opening.
Lunch is provided, attendance is free but donations (tax-deductible!) are welcome. Register and donate below.
The day will include:
- Elder led opening and closing prayers and smudge
- Think Like a Mountain (Joanne Macy) based activity to ground, connect and get us sparking
- Orientation to Active Transportation organizations and initiatives here now
- Opportunity to spark &/or feed efforts to get Thunder Bay the infrastructure necessary to make active transportation a safe option to get anywhere in the City, year-round
- Photovoice stories of Climate Mobilization wished for, and fears carried to inspire and inform our conversations
- Introduction of Creatives for Climate Artists in Residence (creating original art in response to their participation in this event)
- A photo-corner to celebrate those who come dressed:
- Cycle-ready (MAMIL or MAWIL…)
- Far-From-Fast-Fashion (celebrate your second-hand or enduring look)
- Post-event Ride / Walk / Roll along the new Oliver Rd. Trail
The day is intended to refresh and renew Climate-Action seekers, provide a safe and inclusive space in which to build our community and help spark and nourish lasting, impactful change.
An intergenerational event to which all are welcome! Childcare is not provided, but child-welcoming crafting & board-game activities are available throughout the day.
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Bicycle parking spaces are available
Lakehead University is on Bus Routes 2, 9 and 15.
Parking at Lakehead University is free on weekends, including level 2 charging for EVs. Download the ChargePoint App ahead of time and try out a free charge!
Bring your bike, scooter, roller blades, etc. and stay for the Ride / Walk / Roll up Oliver Rd on the new Trail
Bring a book you loved that relates to Mobilizing for Climate Action, and prepare to trade it for another donation to our BookWorm Swap table.
Childcare is not provided, but children are welcome, and their adult’s needs to support them are in turn supported. Crafting & board game activities are available throughout the day.
Contact us at nwclimategathering@gmail.com if you have questions. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Bringing Thunder Bay and Region Together for Tomorrow
The Northwest Climate Gathering welcomes everyone in the region working towards a more sustainable, inclusive and joyous tomorrow. Our key event is held in the fall, but throughout the year we gather community to support initiatives and build positive relationships with one another. We are a grassroots ad-hoc ensemble of like-minded volunteers and we welcome you!
EMAIL LIST
Join our email list for twice-monthly round-ups of Climate Actions in the Region worth your support and attention by emailing: NWClimateGathering@gmail.com. Or just email us with your news, questions and offers.
RESOURCES
Check out our Youth Resource Library for information and resources to support your Climate Action and answer your Climate Futures questions.
STONE SOUP GATHERINGS
Come to a Stone Soup Gathering held once or twice a month from 6-8:30 with a potluck, ice breakers, and time to connect over games and conversations both facilitated and spontaneous. Join the email list for upcoming dates. Bring your whole family, a neighbour – all are welcome! September and October Stone Soup Gatherings will be held in private homes.
Sept. 8 – Tuesday
September 21– Monday
October 6 – Tuesday
Good Food Market Sunday Sept 13 celebrates local food producers. And includes our Creatives for Climate craft table. Come say Hi and create your own submission to our Photovoice Challenge! On Red River Rd. in front of Goods & Co. 10 – 3!
Full Moon Bike Rides start at 6 pm in the Superstore Parking Lot in Thunder Bay.
September 26
October 26
November 24
December 23
Listen to Something Different This Way Comes hosted by Heather McLeod (a Gathering volunteer) on CILU Radio 102.7 FM Mondays at 6 pm for news of Climate Action in the Region
Testimonials
“Such an inspiring event with fresh ideas for moving forward as the climate changes around us.”
Lucie LaVoie
“What an exciting opportunity the first Northwest Climate Gathering was for us to meet a diverse group of like minded people and learn about ways to become involved in climate action in Thunder Bay. We learned so much from everyone that we spoke with and the presenters that we listened to. The workshop sessions during the weekend were very helpful in defining our new role in climate advocacy. Can’t wait for the next gathering.”
Marg Woods
“Attending and speaking at the premier Northwest Climate Gathering last year was a deeply fulfilling experience for me. I was particularly enthused to be surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals, all passionate about creating meaningful and selfless contributions to their communities. The opportunity to share the stage with Richard Wong to speak on the critical topic of ‘Engaging Successfully with Government & Corporations’ resonated with my commitment to fostering collaboration and shaping sustainability thinking within corporate and community systems. Events like this are vital for creating the consensus needed to drive sustainable development, and I look forward to building on these foundations for the benefit of the region.”
Bekeme Masade-Olowola
“I was asked by Shelby how I keep going after all the ups and downs on the active Transportation file. I credited my supporters and specifically the Northwest climate people and named you and Heather for keeping me going!”
Ken Shields
“This gathering filled my cup and re-instilled hope. It’s a perfect event to showcase the great community growing around local climate action, and an even more perfect opportunity to get involved.”
Michaela Bohunicky
Media Coverage
Keira Essex/Kevin Brooks: Northwest Climate Gathering: Hope and Action 2023
CBC
Madi Dyk/Summer Stevenson: ‘Northwest Climate Gathering: Hope and Action 2023’
CBC
Northwest Climate Gathering in Thunder Bay, Ont. brings forward urgent calls to action
CBC
Hope and Action in Thunder Bay with the Northwest Climate Gathering
FES
Northwest Climate Gathering: Hope and Action 2023
CBC
