AAO - Ontario Archivists

The City of Thunder Bay has a population of approximately 110,000. Located at the head of Lake Superior, it features a major grain handling port. Thunder Bay is the largest municipality in northwestern Ontario and is regarded as a regional centre. The city is home to two post secondary institutions, Lakehead University and Confederation College. Major industries in the region include forestry and pulp and paper manufacturing, as well as a light rail plant operated by Bombardier. Mining is becoming more important farther north, with Thunder Bay set to act as a service centre.

Thunder Bay grew from the amalgamation of the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur in 1970. Prior to that the area was a major gathering centre for aboriginal peoples, and had a large fur trading post which featured prominently in the annual Rendezvous. During the First and Second World Wars, the cities were greatly involved in manufacturing transport ships, mine sweepers, and airplanes. C.D. Howe, known as the Minister of Everything, directed the war effort and had his riding in Port Arthur.

With the close proximity of Fort William First Nations, aboriginal culture can be seen in many places in Thunder Bay. Many shops and art galleries feature aboriginal works of art, as well as aboriginal crafts. Thunder Bay also has one of the largest populations of Finnish people outside Finland. The Bay street area of Port Arthur shows their impact on the city. Be sure to check out the historic Finnish Labour Temple while dining in its basement at the Hoito Restaurant.

The Prince Arthur Hotel's Place in History

by Tory Tronrud, Director Thunder Bay Historical Museum

As with many great institutions, the origins of the Prince Arthur Hotel are shrouded in myth. J.J. Carrick, the flamboyant mayor of Port Arthur in 1908, claimed that he won the hotel for the city in a poker game. "Sir William Mackenzie then president of the Canadian Northern Railway was a close friend," he said. "I used to accompany him and Sir Donald Mann on trips across the country in their private car. On one trip to Winnipeg and back we sat up late playing poker for small stakes. I told him Port Arthur needed a good hotel and the CNoR should build one." Carrick then offered the railway barons an almost empty lot, free of charge, and guaranteed it could be built for $250,000. Sir William said that it if could be built for that he was agreeable. Of course, it ended up costing $850,000.

Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

Why sponsor this professional conference?

• Gain corporate exposure to 80 – 100 influential professionals, leaders, and decision-makers working in the archives and information management community
• Increase corporate visibility
• Demonstrate support of Ontario's heritage and culture

Five Sponsorship Levels

• Diamond $5,000 & up
• Platinum $2,000 - $4999
• Gold $1000 - $1,999
• Silver $500 - $999
• Bronze $200 - $499

Full amount ensures exclusive sponsorship. Joint Sponsors are encouraged as well.

For more information please contact:

Matt Szybalski, City of Thunder Bay Archives
500 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 5V3
Tel: (807) 625-3390 Fax: (807) 622-4212
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