THUNDER BAY — Three years after the declaration of a municipal emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff has terminated it.
The official announcement came Wednesday morning.
The emergency situation was declared by then-Mayor Bill Mauro on April 23, 2020 to ensure the continuity of municipal operations and the provision of essential services to the public while maintaining the health and safety of residents.
The declaration allowed the city flexibility when it came to redeploying employees to different departments, which might not have been possible under existing collective bargaining agreements.
In accordance with Ontario's Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, the decision to terminate it was made in consultation with city manager Norm Gale, members of the Municipal Emergency Control Group, and Thunder Bay District Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille.
Gale expressed thanks to city staff "for their tireless, adaptable and innovative efforts throughout the emergency period for continuing to deliver municipal services that residents count on."
He said the city has largely returned to normal operations but staff who coordinated Thunder Bay's pandemic response remain vigilant and are ready to respond appropriately again if needed.
"Although these past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, we are in a much better place," DeMille said in a statement. "It's important to remember that COVID-19 will be a part of our lives moving forward, but we now have the tools and knowledge to manage it."
