THUNDER BAY – LIVING – It’s the most wonderful time of the year in downtown Thunder Bay. Today, the Waterfront District in partnership with Thunder Bay Hydro announced details of its 2nd annual Window Wonderland competition. The initiative challenges those located in the Waterfront District to get festive with their window displays. 19 businesses in the district are participating in the challenge that also encourages them to be energy efficient.
“This is a friendly competition to determine who has the best holiday window in the Waterfront District. We encourage residents to come to the downtown core to check out the window displays and do some shopping and enjoy the neighbourhood,” says Waterfront District BIA Chair, Jim Comuzzi. “After consulting with the CEO of Holiday Spirit, Santa Claus, it was decided that for this year’s competition there will be three awards— first, second and third place for the Best Overall Holiday Window.”
The awards will be decided by shoppers and Thunder Bay residents. While visiting the storefronts, visitors in the Waterfront District are encouraged to vote for their favourite display with ballots located at all of the following participating locations:
| Chocolitts | 207 Park Ave. | Colliers Project Leaders | 29 Cumberland St. S |
| Creations Body Piercing | 240 Red River Rd. | Firedog Communications | 32 Court St. S |
| Gillons Inusrance | 214 Red River Rd. | Hey Sailor | 28 Cumberland St. |
| Kitty Cucumber | 236 Red River Rd. | Mapletops | 24 Court S. |
| Mars. Clothing | 6 Court St. S | Paramount Live | 22 Court S. |
| Perfect Fit Lingerie | 16 Court St. S | Pneumaticity Hair Salon | 37 Cumberland St. |
| Prime Gelato | 200 Red River Rd. | Prince Arthur Hotel | 17 Cumberland St. |
| Red Lion Smokehouse | 28 Cumberland St. S | Roosters Bistro | 32 Paul St. |
| Shout Media | 37 Cumberland St. S | The Foundry | 242 Red River Rd. |
| The Loop | 2 Court St. S | ||
Voting criteria should be based on use of theme, title (clearly and beautifully incorporated), creativity and colour, use of a product and overall presentation including lighting.
As a part of the initiative Thunder Bay Hydro, a proud sponsor of the competition is also taking the opportunity to provide awareness on its Small Business Lighting Program and provide advice on how to lower energy consumption during the holiday season.
“For many, the holiday season is generally a time for increased energy use. With all of the lights, cooking and more time at home, residents tend to require more power. There are many ways you can save on energy throughout the holidays and still keep those bright lights up,” says Lesley MacNiven, Supervisor of Energy Efficiency Services, Thunder Bay Hydro. “For instance, LED Christmas lights use significantly less electricity than regular Christmas lights. Switching from traditional holiday bulbs to LED lights is just one of the many ways people can save energy and money.”
Thunder Bay Hydro energy experts also recommend customers use outdoor timers to turn on their Christmas lights. Outdoor lighting timers with automatic shut-off ensure that customers never forget to turn their holiday lights off, scheduling them for during off-peak times which can save a few extra dollars towards last minute gifts.
The Thunder Bay Hydro Save on Energy Small Business Lighting Program provides up to $2000 in incentives for businesses making energy efficient lighting upgrades. 165 local businesses participated in Thunder Bay Hydro Save on Energy programs in 2017.
Judging for the Window Wonderland Competition ends on December 15th, with winners being announced the following week.
