THUNDER BAY – An hour-long discussion on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting city finances dominated Monday evening's council meeting. Councillors also approved millions in road and sewer maintenance, and dealt with a number of motions from councillors related to the pandemic.
Meetings continue to be held remotely, with only meeting chairs and a skeleton crew of staff present at city hall. After minor technical glitches marred parts of recent meetings, Monday's TV broadcast and online livestream proceeded with few hiccups.
COVID-19’s financial impact
Council received a report from city treasurer Linda Evans outlining the financial impact of COVID-19 on the city. The pandemic is estimated to cost the city $5.2 million by the end of May, and an additional $1.4 million a month after that, assuming current public health restrictions remain in place.
Councillors debated how dire the fiscal situation is, and what the city could do to cover the shortfall. While some were impatient to find mitigating cost savings, others preferred to wait for more information and to see if help might be coming from the province.
Council rejects call for pandemic pay for bus drivers
A motion from Coun. Kristen Oliver that would have seen the city lobby the provincial government to include transit operators on the list of those receiving “pandemic pay,” a $4 per hour boost from the province, was defeated on a 7-6 vote.
Those opposed raised concerns over singling out a single group – particularly one not in health care – for the benefit when they felt others were equally deserving.
Balmoral rebuild tops millions in road, sewer work
A $5.3 million rebuild of a half-kilometre stretch of Balmoral Street surrounding the intersection with the Harbour Expressway was approved, along with a number of other road, water, and sewer projects worth over $11 million in total.
Multi-use trails will be added on both sides of Balmoral, along with double left turn lanes and protected left turns at the intersection, expected to improve safety and traffic flow. One lane of traffic is expected to remain open in each direction during construction.
City to examine making parkades free
The city will consider eliminating fees at its two parkades as a temporary relief measure. Coun. Aldo Ruberto said the move is largely intended to support frontline health care workers with St. Joseph’s Care Group.
Council heard that the city’s Parking Authority unanimously opposes the move, but still directed the body to report back on the possibility at next Monday’s meeting, when a final decision will be made.
Administration estimated the step would cost the city around $25,000 per month in revenue.
Mandatory masks motion falls short
A motion from Coun. Ruberto seeking to lobby the province to consider making face masks mandatory in indoor public spaces to combat the spread of COVID-19 was defeated on a vote of 9-3, with Ruberto, Coun. You, and Mayor Mauro voting in favour.
Councillors raised a litany of concerns with the motion, from a lack of evidence to how such a measure would be enforced to how those living in poverty would afford them. Some simply felt the matter should be an individual decision. However, most councillors said they support the wearing of masks when physical distancing is not possible.
