TBDSSAB Celebrates Housing Anniversaries - The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB)

Media Release: TBDSSAB Celebrates Housing Anniversaries

Thunder Bay, ON. September 29, 2025 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is celebrating 50 years of safe, affordable housing for seniors at three properties this month.

Celebrations were held with tenants, staff, and board members at Fisher Court in Geraldton on September 11, Matthews Court on September 24, and Elizabeth Court on September 25, 2025. All three properties are seniors’ buildings built in 1975.

“We appreciate tenants celebrating these milestones with us, and the tenants have been grateful,” says Ken Ranta, CEO. “Tenants in many of our buildings have a strong bond. It’s wonderful to see them forming a community, looking out for each other and enjoying an afternoon together.”

TBDSSAB plans tenant events to celebrate 25^th and 50^th building anniversaries at their direct-owned properties. “These milestone anniversaries are really special,” says Brian Hamilton, Chair of the TBDSSAB Board of Directors. “It’s a reminder of the forward-thinking investments that got us here. Fifty years ago there was a dream and because of that dream hundreds of residents can call these buildings home. The TBDSSAB board is a strong advocate for more affordable housing so we can continue to build quality homes for the generations to come.”

Quick Facts:

Fisher Court (401 Fourth Ave, Geraldton) was built in 1975. The property is home to seniors (60+). There are 20 ground-level units. The property was named after Thomas Henry “Harry” Fisher (1899-1971), a local politician who had a strong influence on the Geraldton community.
Matthews Court (201 Ravenwood Ave, Thunder Bay) was built in 1975. The property is home to seniors (50+). There are 101 apartments. The property was named after Issac Lamont Matthews, Mayor of Port Arthur from 1901-1902, 1909-1910, and again from 1920-1923.
Elizabeth Court (275 Madeline St, Thunder Bay) was built in 1975. The property is home to seniors (65+). There are 121 apartments. The property was named after Col. Elizabeth L. Smellie, Colonel and Matron-in-Chief of the Canadian Women’s Army Medical Corps from 1940-1944. She was also the first woman to receive the rank of Colonel in the Canadian Army.