Visits at Thunder Bay’s St. Joseph’s Hospital are temporarily paused while staff and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue respond to a sprinkler-system issue

THUNDER BAY, ON — October 17, 2026 — St. Joseph’s Care Group has temporarily paused visits at St. Joseph’s Hospital while staff and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue respond to an issue involving the hospital’s sprinkler system.

St. Joseph’s Care Group says everyone is safe. As a precaution, some clients have been temporarily relocated within the hospital while staff and emergency responders address the issue.

Families asked to postpone visits

Families and visitors are asked to postpone visits until the hospital confirms that visiting can resume.

Staff continue to provide care and support to clients during the response.

St. Joseph’s Care Group says it is working with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and will provide further updates as the situation progresses.

The organization thanked clients, families and the community for their cooperation.

Source: St. Joseph’s Care Group media release issued October 17, 2026.

Editor warning: Visiting information may change. Families should wait for an official update from St. Joseph’s Care Group before attending the hospital.