Thunder Bay District public meetings in 2023
36 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
City Council ratified three resolutions previously adopted by the Committee of the Whole. These included a board appointment, a vehicle purchase, and project funding. The meeting was primarily procedural.
- Ratified Board Appointment for Thunder Bay Police Services Board
- Ratified Report 274-2023 for the purchase of tandem trucks (Tender Award)
- Ratified NOHFC Funding award for the Northcore Streetscape Project
- Approved agenda for September 11, 2023
- Confirmed minutes for City Council meeting held August 28, 2023
- Adopted minutes for Committee of the Whole meeting held August 28, 2023
- Received minutes for Northwood Ward meeting held April 12, 2023
- Passed By-law BL 262/2023 to confirm proceedings of the September 11, 2023 meeting
Committee of the Whole
The Committee recommended appointing Councillor Kasey Etreni to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board. It also confirmed city-owned lands west of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium as the preferred site for a multi-use indoor turf facility. Additionally, the Committee removed a consultation item regarding outdoor rinks from the outstanding list.
- Recommended Councillor Kasey Etreni be appointed to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board (CARRIED)
- Confirmed city-owned lands/park lands west of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium as the preferred site for a multi-use indoor turf facility (CARRIED)
- Directed Administration to develop a financing strategy for the SNO Option (CTB Facility Design Standard) based on Scenario 3 (CARRIED)
- Directed Administration to report back in Q1 2024 with public engagement results for the turf facility (CARRIED)
- Recommended removing Outstanding List Item 2023-103-INO regarding outdoor rinks from the outstanding list (CARRIED)
- Withdrew Report 271-2023 regarding Architectural Services for Archives and Water Street Transit Terminal
- Withdrew memorandum regarding Waterfront Trail Funding Commitment - Renew Thunder Bay
EarthCare Advisory Committee
The EarthCare Advisory Committee decided to send a memorandum to City Council regarding the Soccer Northwest Ontario (SNO) Turf Facility. The committee recommended that the project's financing strategy reflect the city's climate emergency declaration and net-zero commitments.
- Approved memorandum to City Council regarding SNO Turf Facility Concept (Carried)
- Recommended financing strategy for turf facility reflect net-zero commitments (Carried)
- Confirmed agenda for September 5, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes from meetings 03-2023 and 04-2023 (Carried)
- Deferred revised Committee Terms of Reference to October meeting
City Council
City Council passed several by-laws including the appointment of a City Treasurer and the authorization of new street lighting on Central Avenue. Council also approved site plan control designations for two properties and removed a holding symbol for Mapleward Road.
- Approved construction of new street lighting on Central Avenue between Oliver Road and Highway 11/17 (BL 246/2023)
- Approved appointment of a City Treasurer (BL 249/2023)
- Approved removal of Holding Symbol for Mapleward Road (BL 250/2023)
- Approved Site Plan Control designations for 1080 Gorham Street and 576 Dunlop Street (BL 261/2023)
- Approved update to appointment of Officers for Development Services and Finance Departments (BL 268/2023)
- Adopted August 14, 2023 Committee of the Whole minutes (9-2)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee recommended replacing the Reserve & Reserve Fund Policy and repealing 26 related by-laws. It also proposed transferring $670,000 from the Legal Fees Reserve to the Insurance Reserve and $2.3 million from the Tax Assessment Appeals Reserve. Two planning and nuisance by-law reports were deferred.
- Recommended repeal of Corporate Policy 05-01-08 and 26 specific reserve by-laws (Carried)
- Recommended closing Ashberry Park and Ashwood Park Reserve Funds by December 31, 2023 (Carried)
- Recommended transfer of $670,000 from Legal Fees Reserve to Insurance Reserve (Carried)
- Recommended transfer of $2.3M from Tax Assessment Appeals Reserve to Stabilization and Capital General reserves (Carried)
- Deferred backyard home minimum building setbacks update to December 18, 2023 (Carried)
- Deferred nuisance by-law report to June 3, 2024 (Carried)
- Removed Item 2023-004-ADM from outstanding list and scheduled outdoor rinks consultation for September 11, 2023 (Carried)
- Confirmed the meeting agenda (Carried)
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee approved in principle renovation plans for the North Superior Workforce Planning Board offices in the designated heritage Whalen Building. The committee also discussed redevelopment concepts for the Dease Pool site and received updates on the City's Cultural Plan.
- Approved in principle renovation plans for North Superior Workforce Planning Board offices at 34 Cumberland Street North (Carried)
- Confirmed Whalen Building renovation plans do not conflict with significant heritage features (Carried)
- Approved August 24, 2023 meeting agenda (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes of Meeting 05-2023 from June 22, 2023 (Carried)
2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members discussed a $350,000 budget shortfall, volunteer recruitment targets for 1,479 positions, and the removal of snowboarding from the event schedule.
- Approved August 17, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Confirmed July 11, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Removed Airport Authority Meeting from standing agenda
- Confirmed snowboarding event will not participate in the Games
Committee of the Whole
The Committee recommended submitting an application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the Housing Accelerator Fund. It also approved street lighting construction on Central Avenue and an appointment to the 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee.
- Recommended submitting a Housing Accelerator Fund application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- Approved street lighting construction on Central Avenue from Oliver Road to Highway 11/17
- Approved Appropriation Change Order 8 for Central Avenue street lighting
- Recommended appointing Cynthia Olsen as Co-Chair (Executive Member) to the 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee
- Recommended that Administration proceed as directed in Closed Session regarding the Synergy North Matter (Report 2023CLS.027)
City Council
City Council passed a by-law to amend the appointment of Municipal Law Enforcement Officers for parking enforcement. The council also ratified several resolutions regarding the Tournament Centre Reserve Fund, the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund, and the 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee.
- Approved By-law BL 245/2023 to amend By-law 99-2005 regarding appointment of parking enforcement officers
- Ratified Report 243-2023 for Tournament Centre Reserve Fund ice plant refurbishment
- Ratified Report 203-2023 regarding application to 2023 Federal Housing Accelerator Fund
- Ratified appointment to the 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee
- Ratified Synergy North Matter
- Confirmed minutes for City Council meetings held July 24 and July 25, 2023
- Adopted July 24, 2023 Committee of the Whole minutes
- Received March 15, 2023 Red River Ward meeting minutes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee recommended that the 2024 tax-supported budget target a municipal tax levy increase of no more than 6.0%. Other actions included approving a condominium plan for 96 N. High Street and the extension of Jasper Drive.
- Recommended 2024 tax-supported budget with a tax levy increase target of no more than 6.0%
- Approved Draft Plan for 52 residential units at 96 N. High Street (Hillcrest Neighbour Village Inc.)
- Approved request to extend Jasper Drive subject to City Engineer satisfaction
- Referred Federal Housing Accelerator Fund application to Administration for review; report back August 14, 2023
- Recommended removing Hillcourt Estates sale from Outstanding List and requested report on hold or divestment by March 18, 2024
- Confirmed the meeting agenda
City Council
Council approved the "Maamawe, Growing Together" Corporate Strategic Plan with specific amendments to its pillars and timeline. The plan now includes a new Growth pillar focused on population and housing, with an extended timeline through December 31, 2027.
- Adopted "Maamawe, Growing Together" Strategic Plan (Carried)
- Renamed Prosperity & Sustainability pillar to Sustainability (Carried)
- Added new Growth pillar to Strategic Plan (Carried)
- Added objective to Growth pillar for new housing development (Carried)
- Extended Strategic Plan timeline to December 31, 2027 (Carried)
- Confirmed July 17, 2023 City Council and Committee of the Whole minutes (Carried)
- Received Neebing Ward meeting minutes from June 27, 2023 (Carried)
- Passed By-law 233-2023 to confirm council proceedings (Carried)
City Council (Public Meeting)
City Council approved a zoning by-law amendment for 1507 John St. Road to establish Urban Low Rise Zones. Council also passed four by-laws, including the removal of holding symbols for several properties.
- Approved rezoning of 1507 John St. Road 'Property Location One' to Urban Low Rise Zone (CARRIED)
- Approved rezoning of 1507 John St. Road 'Property Location Two' to Urban Low Rise Zone subject to Holding Provision H15 (CARRIED)
- Passed By-law 234-2023 to remove holding symbol at 895 Toms Road (CARRIED)
- Passed By-law 235-2023 to remove holding symbols for various properties (CARRIED)
- Passed By-law 238-2023 to amend the Zoning By-law for 1507 John St. Road (CARRIED)
- Passed By-law 239-2023 to remove holding symbol at 1430 Riverdale Road (CARRIED)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole recommended the appointment of Alecia Boshcoff and Stephanie Reid to the 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee. Members also recommended that administration proceed as directed in closed sessions regarding human resources, legal, and contract matters. Approval was recommended for the receipt and expenditure of external funding for various capital works.
- Recommended appointment of Alecia Boshcoff and Stephanie Reid to 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee (Carried)
- Recommended Administration proceed as directed regarding Collective Bargaining Mandate ONA (Carried)
- Recommended Administration proceed as directed regarding Legal Services Report 2023CLS.019 (Carried)
- Recommended Administration proceed as directed regarding Fort William Gardens contract matter (Carried)
- Recommended approval of external funding receipt and expenditure for capital works (Carried)
City Council
Council approved 2024 budget amendments totaling $512,900, while excluding funding for transit routes and driveway culvert replacements. Several other budget items were referred back to administration for stakeholder consultation. Council also passed by-laws regarding traffic regulation, parking enforcement, and a subdivision agreement.
- Approved 2024 Budget Amendments with a net impact of $512,900
- Referred Sister Cities Program, Neebing Arena, Outdoor Rinks, and Heritage Program ($608,300) back for stakeholder consultation
- Excluded non-emergency driveway culvert replacements ($60,000) from budget amendments
- Excluded transit routes ($293,800) from budget amendments
- Approved By-law 212-2023 to amend traffic regulations on roads and highways
- Approved By-law 221-2023 to appoint persons to enforce parking
- Approved By-law 223-2023 for a subdivision agreement with DiGregorio Developments Inc.
- Confirmed minutes from June 26, 2023 City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings
2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from June 8, 2023. Members received updates on sponsorship, volunteer recruitment, and facility upgrade applications. A draft budget for the games is expected at the August meeting.
- Approved agenda as printed (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes from June 8, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Clean, Green and Beautiful Committee
The Clean, Green and Beautiful Committee recommended funding for nine Emerging Projects applications totaling $72,964.14. The committee also received updates on the Downtown Fort William Revitalization Strategic Renewal Plan and a city rebrand. High school emerging project applications were postponed until the fall.
- Approved $5,000 for Fort William Golf and Country Club Beautification/Heritage project
- Approved $2,000 for Rainbow Collective Public Art/Beautification project
- Approved $4,000 for Strategic Initiatives & Engagement Public Art/Sustainability project
- Approved $15,000 for EcoSuperior Sustainability and Environmental Greening Project (pending 2022 report)
- Approved $15,000 for 'Women’s History in Thunder Bay' Bus Wrap project
- Approved $15,000 for Solid Waste and Recycling Services Community Clean-Up Trailer (pending liability/safety confirmation)
- Approved $4,364.14 for Walleye Magazine beautification of 61 Court Street South
- Approved $7,600 for Fort William BIA Luminated Arch move to Paterson Park (pending approval from Parks and Open Space Planning)
Neebing Ward Meeting
The meeting served as an information session regarding road maintenance and the potential sale of Hillcourt Estates. No formal votes were taken; however, the Chair provided updates on budget amendments and city services. Residents were directed to the City Clerk for petitions regarding the Hillcourt Estates sale.
- Tabled decision on Neebing Transit Route 4 and Neebing Arena closure pending stakeholder consultation
- Directed Hillcourt Estates sale investigation report to be completed by July 24, 2023
Community Communications Committee
The committee received presentations on Zencity's community survey platform and updates to Canada Day celebrations to support Truth and Reconciliation. Members discussed strategies for citizen engagement and communication with local post-secondary institutions. No substantive policy or funding decisions were voted upon.
- Approved the meeting agenda (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes from the April 20, 2023 meeting (Carried)
City Council
City Council passed several by-laws to authorize borrowing from the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation for capital projects. Council also approved an amendment to the Property Tax and Water Credit Program for low-income persons and designated site plan controls for Oliver Road.
- Approved By-laws 190, 191, 192, and 193 to apply for OILC financing and borrowing for capital projects
- Approved By-law 194 for a Subdivision Agreement with 2201947 Ontario Inc. (Lacewood Estates)
- Approved By-law 204 to amend the Property Tax and Water Credit Program for Low-Income Persons
- Approved By-law 206 designating Site Plan Control for 1171, 1175, 1181, and 1191 Oliver Road
- Approved By-law 229 to appoint an Acting City Treasurer
- Ratified Report 198-2023 for Multi-Use Trails and Parks contract
- Ratified Report 217-2023 for Vickers Park playground installation
- Ratified amendments for Ontario Health Agreements and City Manager Organizational Review
Committee of the Whole
The Committee endorsed the central library concept and referred two specific scenarios to Administration for financial review. It also approved the 2024 Budget Review Calendar and recommended proceeding with a City Manager organizational review.
- Endorsed central library concept and referred scenarios 2 and 3 to Administration for financial review (Carried)
- Recommended Administration proceed as directed in Closed Session regarding City Manager Organizational Review (Carried)
- Approved the Council 2024 Budget Review Calendar and 2024 Calendar of Meetings (Carried)
- Denied amendment to delete scenario 3 from the Library Facilities Plan referral (Lost)
- Denied a revote to defer Report 196-2023 on 2024 Budget Amendments to July 17, 2023 (Lost)
- Denied amendment to add parkettes and mowing/litter programs to the budget amendment referral (Lost)
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Committee reviewed and accepted the inscription for a Fort William National Historic Site plaque. Members discussed strategies for designating properties before the July 1, 2025 Heritage Act deadline. The City Clerk reported on proposed 2024 budget amendments that would dissolve the Committee and eliminate the Heritage Resource Officer position.
- Approved agenda as printed (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes of meeting 04-2023 (Carried)
- Recommended bronze plaque inscription for Fort William National Historic Site with a request for Indigenous group feedback
- Deferred Ontario Heritage Conference item to next meeting
McIntyre Ward Meeting
The meeting consisted of informational updates and discussions with city resource persons. No formal votes or legislative decisions were recorded; the session focused on community concerns regarding public safety and infrastructure.
- Information provided on TBPS objectives and community consultation
- Information provided on 2021-2030 Paramedic Services Master Plan
- Received petition and letter regarding conditions of Sherwood Drive, Townline Road, Community Hall Road, Belton Road and Granite Road
- Requested Engineering attendance for the next ward meeting
City Council - Special Session
City Council authorized the City Clerk to approve the 2022 financial statements for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission Inc. Council also appointed the commission's auditor and new Board of Directors members.
- Approved Financial Statements of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission for the period ending December 31, 2022
- Appointed BDO Canada LLP as the Auditor for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission
- Appointed Barry Streib as Chair, Peter Marchl as Past-Chair, Rob Frenette as Vice Chair, and Roger Souckey as Secretary/Treasurer to the Board of Directors
- Ratified all by-laws, resolutions, acts, contracts and proceedings of the Commission since the last annual general meeting
- Passed By-law 185-2023 to confirm the proceedings of the June 19, 2023 meeting
City of Thunder Bay Appeals Tribunal
The Committee granted extensions for property standards compliance at 58 Ontario Street and 2 Lake Street. For 58 Ontario Street, five specific repair and cleanup items were extended to October 27, 2023. The order for 2 Lake Street was also extended to include specific structural wall repairs.
- Extended deadline to Oct 27, 2023, for 58 Ontario St item #1: repair stairs and handrails
- Extended deadline to Oct 27, 2023, for 58 Ontario St item #2: repair/repaint wooden cladding
- Extended deadline to Oct 27, 2023, for 58 Ontario St item #3: repair windows and doors
- Extended deadline to Oct 27, 2023, for 58 Ontario St item #4: repair soffit and fascia
- Extended deadline to Oct 27, 2023, for 58 Ontario St item #5: remove debris and hazards
- Extended Property Standards Order for 2 Lake Street to include structural wall repairs
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole recommended several infrastructure and administrative approvals, including a major exterior upgrade for Fort William Gardens and a redevelopment design for Victoria and Syndicate Avenue. They also approved terms for a council composition review and deferred animal by-law amendments.
- Recommended awarding Fort William Gardens Exterior Envelope Upgrade to DRD Construction Services Inc. up to $1,404,160.00 (Carried)
- Recommended approval of preferred design for Victoria and Syndicate Avenue Redevelopment (Carried)
- Recommended approval of Terms of Reference for the Council Composition Review Committee (Carried)
- Deferred Animal By-law #22-1995 Amendments from June 19, 2023 to September 18, 2023 (Carried)
- Confirmed the June 19, 2023 meeting agenda (Carried)
- Scheduled a Closed Session meeting for June 26, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. (Carried)
Current River Ward Meeting
The meeting served as an information session with no formal votes or legislative decisions recorded. City staff and police leadership provided updates on crime prevention, road maintenance, and ongoing construction projects.
2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda and the previous meeting's minutes. Members received progress updates on venue scheduling, volunteer recruitment, and sponsorship totals. Several budget concerns were noted regarding accommodations and food services.
- Approved June 8, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes from May 11, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Rescheduled August meeting to August 17, 2023
Waterfront Development Committee
The committee reviewed the results of a consensus workshop regarding how to make Marina Park an attractive and vibrant destination. Members will now create action items based on the high-level categories identified in the workshop. No substantive policy or funding decisions were made.
- Approved the meeting agenda as printed
At Large Town Hall Meeting
The meeting served as an informational session with no formal votes or new policies decided. Officials provided overviews of the 2023 budget, capital projects, and the city's asset management plan. Administration committed to following up on several constituent questions regarding infrastructure and finances.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole recommended that Administration review the feasibility of public and private pickleball facilities, including Northwood Playfield. It also referred several requests from the Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay to Administration for review. Multiple items from a closed session were discussed, with consensus reached for Administration to proceed as directed.
- Recommended Administration review feasibility of public/private pickleball facilities, including Northwood Playfield (Carried)
- Recommended requests 2-6 from Rainbow Collective deputation be referred to Administration for review (Carried)
- Approved agenda as printed (Carried)
- Consensus reached in closed session for Administration to proceed regarding Council Appointments
- Consensus reached in closed session for Administration to proceed regarding Committee & Board Appointments (Thunder Bay Public Library and Tbaytel)
- Consensus reached in closed session for Administration to proceed regarding 2024 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee appointment
- Consensus reached in closed session for Administration to proceed regarding a contract related matter
- Consensus reached in closed session for Administration to proceed regarding a labour relations matter
City Council
Council approved the final levy of taxes for 2023 and passed by-laws regarding special services, parking enforcement, and a street closure. One by-law concerning signs and advertising was referred back to administration for further consultation.
- Approved By-law 176-2023 to establish tax policy and the final levy of taxes for 2023
- Approved By-law 180-2023 amending the Special Services By-law
- Approved By-law 187-2023 to close a portion of Brighton Avenue
- Approved By-law 195-2023 to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers for parking
- Referred By-law 186-2023 regarding signs and advertising back to administration for stakeholder consultation
- Confirmed minutes for City Council meetings and Committee of the Whole from May 15, 2023
- Received McKellar Ward meeting minutes from February 1, 2023
EarthCare Advisory Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda and discussed updates to its Strategic Plan and Terms of Reference. Members decided to seek input from the Indigenous Advisory Council regarding land acknowledgement language and discussed renaming the committee using an Anishinaabemowin name.
- Approved the May 31, 2023 meeting agenda
- Decided to require input from the Indigenous Advisory Council for the Terms of Reference land acknowledgement statement
Anti-Racism and Equity Advisory Committee
The committee reviewed the draft City of Thunder Bay Strategic Plan and recommended expanding the reach of the 'One City Many Voices' publication. Members also discussed summer outreach events and the status of an anti-racism intern position.
- Approved the May 31, 2023 agenda and addition of Folklore Festival Update (Carried)
- Confirmed the April 24, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Recommended expanding the 'One City Many Voices' publication to other media outlets (Carried)
- Decided to work with Diversity Thunder Bay to identify additional media outlets (Carried)
Heritage Advisory Committee
The Heritage Advisory Committee approved two projects at designated heritage properties. The committee confirmed that neither the proposed fence at the Dew Drop Inn nor the art installation at the Thunder Bay Museum conflicts with significant heritage features.
- Approved fence installation for outdoor eating area at Dew Drop Inn (292 Red River Road) (Carried)
- Approved Pillar Art Project on the 2008 addition of Thunder Bay Museum (425 Donald Street East) (Carried)
- Confirmed May 25, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Confirmed April 27, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee
The Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee approved a recommendation to City Council to declare intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic. The committee also approved updates to its Terms of Reference. Members received updates on youth gang prevention and homelessness protocols.
- Approved recommendation to Council to declare Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Based Violence an epidemic (Carried)
- Approved changes to the CSWB Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (Carried)
- Confirmed agenda for May 24, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes from February 8, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Westfort Ward Meeting
The meeting consisted of information sharing and resident discussion regarding crime, addiction, and housing. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.