THUNDER BAY – At its Monday meeting, Thunder Bay’s city council approved funding for dock upgrades it hopes will support a boom in cruise ship activity, set a date for a meeting to consider the future of the proposed indoor turf facility, and more.
Mayor Bill Mauro honoured the recently deceased Prince Philip with a moment of silence, and noted flags would be lowered at city facilities.
City manager Norm Gale welcomed new general manager of development and emergency services Karen Lewis to her first council meeting in her new role.
City upgrades Pool 6, eyeing cruise ship boom
Council unanimously approved up to $100,000 for upgrades to its Pool 6 docking facility to prepare for an anticipated boom in cruise ship activity.
Three cruise lines have committed to visit the city from 2022 to 2024, bringing an estimated $20 million local economic impact, according to the Thunder Bay CEDC.
Date set for indoor turf meeting
Councillors will consider potential next steps for a proposed indoor turf facility at a public meeting on April 29.
Council voted not to award a tender for construction of the controversial sports complex in March, but it remains approved in principle.
Council vows fight on public health amalgamation
Councillors promised a fight on the Ford government’s plans to consolidate Ontario’s 34 public health units into 10, and reduce provincial funding.
The body unanimously endorsed a letter from the mayors of Northern Ontario’s five largest cities urging the province to abandon the amalgamation plans.
Integrity commissioners present report
Thunder Bay’s integrity commissioner, firm Principles Integrity, presented its annual report to council Monday.
The commissioner responded to eight complaints over the year, with all but one resolved without the need for a public recommendation report.
Infrastructure work approved
Council approved a rash of infrastructure work Monday, awarding nearly $10 million in tenders awarded to the lowest bidder.
The city will spend $4.7 million in road rehabilitation and improvements throughout the city, awarded to Taranis Contracting.
It will spend another $2.9 million in sewer and watermain work, awarded to Nadin Contracting Ltd.
That contract covers road, trunk watermain, and sanitary sewer replacement on Marion Street between Current Avenue and Dewe Street; watermain replacement, new sidewalk and road resurfacing on Huron Avenue between Shuniah Street and Toledo Street; and a watermain loop along the Leslie Street right-of-way.
Finally, council approved $2.1 million for storm sewer separation work to P.N.I. Contracting Ltd.
City endorses cross-country bus network
City council gave its support to a call for a federally-backstopped national bus network. Local intercity bus company Kasper Transportation had requested council’s backing in March, saying companies like his offered crucial services to residents.
Landfill discounts for business to be studied
Council backed Coun. Shelby Ch’ng’s request for a report on the possibility of discounts on landfill tipping fees for businesses.
The Northwood councillor said she had been approached with questions by local businesses. While noting she did not necessarily support the idea, her motion will see administration return with a review of peer municipalities’ fees, and whether they offer discounts.
The city increased tipping fees for all users by three per cent in 2021.
Event funding conditions considered
Events that receive substantial financial support from the city will now have to return part of that funding if they run a surplus.
Under a policy passed Monday, events that receive $100,000 will be required to return a portion of any net revenue. That amount will be at least equal to the portion of the event’s revenues provided by the city.
The funds will be directed to PRO Kids, municipal efforts to attract future events, or other priorities determined by council and agreed to by event organizers.
Coun. Rebecca Johnson cast a lone vote against the policy, noting no other Canadian communities had a comparable policy in place – though some follow the practice.
Microtransit pilot faces second delay
A municipal pilot project exploring microtransit options for lower-ridership routes served by Thunder Bay Transit has been delayed a second time.
Initially expected to launch in January, transit manager Brad Loroff now says a report on launching the project will be presented by the end of October. A memo cited the need for additional consultation, ongoing software development, and “other priorities due to the pandemic” for the delay.
