Thunder Bay – POLITICS – Bay Village Coffee and Half-Way Motors host an open meet-and-greet for every mayoral and At Large candidate — Tuesday, October 20, 6:00–8:30 p.m., Half-Way Motors Nissan. No speeches. No stage. Just neighbours, talking.
When the Thunder Bay Public Library’s Mayoral Candidates’ Forum was cancelled during the library workers’ strike, voters lost their one scheduled chance to meet the people asking for their votes. This week, two local businesses are putting that chance back on the calendar.
Bay Village Coffee and Half-Way Motors invite Thunder Bay voters to an open Meet the Candidates meet-and-greet on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Half-Way Motors Nissan, 940 Memorial Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Every candidate for Mayor (10 candidates) and Councillor At Large (14 candidates) has an open invitation. The format is deliberately simple: no speeches, no stage, no podium, and no endorsements. Candidates will be stationed around the showroom, and voters can drop in at any point in the evening to mix and mingle and get to know the candidates one to one — and ask them anything.
The night builds on a candidates’ evening held at Bay Village Coffee on October 13 that drew a full house. Voting in the 2026 municipal election opens Monday, October 19, and closes on Election Day, Monday, October 26.
“People don’t need another speech — they want to talk,” said Alan Forbes of Bay Village Coffee. “Last week at the shop, neighbours stood and talked with candidates one to one, and the only complaint I heard was from people who hadn’t known it was happening. This is everybody’s chance. Come ask your questions — about safety, about housing, about whatever matters to you — and vote knowing a little more. We’re grateful to Half-Way Motors for giving us the room it needs.”
The At Large race is the largest on the ballot: 14 candidates are competing for 5 seats, and every voter in the city may vote for up to five of them. The meet-and-greet is free and open to all voters.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Meet the Candidates — Open Meet-and-Greet (Mayor & At Large)
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:00–8:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Where: Half-Way Motors Nissan, 940 Memorial Avenue, Thunder Bay
Who: All mayoral and At Large candidates invited; all voters welcome
Cost: Free
