Thunder Bay Population Growth Plan
THUNDER BAY, ON — In a bold move to address its population growth goals, Thunder Bay city council announced an initiative this week that promises free Persian donuts for all newcomers settling in the city, with a strict limit of two pastries per family. The plan is part of a broader campaign aimed at making Thunder Bay a more attractive destination for new residents by offering what the council describes as "a taste of Thunder Bay's heritage.”
“We’re really excited to see where this initiative takes us,” said Councillor Andrew, who spearheaded the Persian Plan. “Thunder Bay is a hidden gem, but it’s no secret we’ve struggled to attract newcomers. What better way to welcome people than with a fresh Persian? It’s symbolic of our warmth, community, and a hearty introduction to local culture. And they’re free—as long as newcomers promise to stay.”
The program has already shown early signs of success, with new residents reportedly flocking to the city’s registration offices to sign up. Kwesi Addo, a recent arrival from Ghana, described the experience as “unforgettable.”
“I didn’t know what a Persian was until I got here,” Addo said, holding up a half-eaten donut with a swirl of sweet pink frosting. “I came for the opportunity, but the Persian is honestly a nice bonus. It's very, uh...unique,” he added, cautiously sniffing the donut.
But not everyone receiving the coveted pastry is a true newcomer. Todd McElroy, a tourist from Duluth, Minnesota, managed to score a Persian by posing as a recent arrival from Winnipeg. “I was just minding my business at the tourist booth when this guy asked me if I’d like to ‘register as a new resident,’” McElroy explained. “I figured, why not? Turns out, all I needed was a fake Thunder Bay postal code and, bam, I’m the proud owner of two Persians.”
In response to complaints about the donut cap, Councillor Andrew clarified, “Look, we need to be sustainable. Two Persians per family is more than generous. Besides, if we’re too lenient, we’ll have people moving here just for the donuts, and that doesn’t actually grow our community in the long term.”
Councillor Andrew also added that the council is aware of potential donut loopholes, such as McElroy’s experience, and is considering more stringent ID checks in the future. “No disrespect to Minnesotans, but Persians are for real Thunder Bay newcomers, not opportunistic tourists.”
Meanwhile, Thunder Bay residents are divided on the initiative. Some welcome the Persians-for-population plan as an inspired way to bring vibrancy to the community. Others are skeptical of the long-term impact.
“We’ll see if they actually stay after the Persian hype dies down,” said local baker Sharon Milner, who’s been selling Persians since the 1980s. “A donut only lasts so long, but a Thunder Bay winter—that’s a commitment.”
For now, city officials are optimistic that the plan will help boost their growth targets and, at the very least, put Thunder Bay on the map as Canada’s first “donut-driven” city. Whether the Persian Plan will truly spark a population boom remains to be seen, but Councillor Andrew insists, “We’re betting on it. And if that doesn’t work, we’ve got our eye on some Thunder Bay-branded tarts.”