THUNDER BAY – The deadline for public feedback on a review of city services has been extended by a week. The services review could have major implications for facilities and programs offered by the city, with some like the botanical conservatory and city golf courses facing possible recommendations for closure.
The original deadline of May 11 has now been moved to May 18 at 12 p.m. Residents can provide feedback through an online survey. The survey contains a number of broad questions about core services like roads, child care, and recreation, and some more pointed ones on the potential closure of facilities including the conservatory, city-owned golf courses, and Chippewa Park.
The feedback will be incorporated into the services review led by Grant Thornton. A phase one report from the company identified a number of services for closer review, representing about one quarter of the city’s total budget.
A representative for Grant Thornton said the company was pleased with the response rate to the survey, with three times as many responses as it received for its phase one survey in November, though they declined to specify a number.
"We extended the deadline to enhance accessibility of the survey and to make sure the public has time to respond," the company said.
Grant Thornton assures the public the survey is anonymous, saying it will not track individual user information and no individual responses will be shared with the city.
