THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s city council received updates on safety concerns on board Thunder Bay Transit and the city’s 15-year recreation plan on Monday, while tweaking an earlier decision around outdoor rink closures.
Monday marked a return for council after a two-week hiatus, and ahead of another scheduled meeting next week. Information on how to watch council meetings is available online.
Transit safety review
Council received data on safety incidents on board Thunder Bay Transit in response to concerns from the union representing bus drivers.
The reported showed drivers reported well over 1,000 safety incidents since the start of 2022, from assaults and exposure to bodily fluid, to harassment and instances of intoxication that prompted safety concerns.
The city has outlined steps like de-escalation training, greater dispatch support, and protective barriers in response, while other, more creative solutions drew enthusiasm Monday.
Two councillors cast symbolic votes against removing the item from council’s outstanding list, worrying the issue could “get lost” with no formal plans for a follow-up report.
North side rink spared from cut
Thunder Bay’s city council has voted to spare the outdoor skating rink in John Kusznier Park from the chopping block, after hearing a case it serves lower-income families in a neighbourhood otherwise light on recreational opportunities.
The move marked a slight adjustment to council’s recent decision to close a quarter of the city’s outdoor rinks.
Recreation plan updated
Council reviewed an update to the city’s recreation master plan, a 15-year roadmap created in 2017 that sets out plans to maintain and replace sports facilities and deliver recreation programming.
The update showed progress on some targets, like renovating the Canada Games Complex and decommissioning Dease Pool, while others – like building indoor turf – remain stalled.
The update noted council’s decision to cut programs like movie nights and the playgrounds program would set back goals for increased neighbourhood engagement.
It also highlighted near-term goals including a design study in 2024 for the upcoming replacement and twinning of the Port Arthur Arena, and longer-term ones like electrifying the Current River Arena.
Audit report approved
The city’s financial books are in order, according to external auditors BDO Canada.
Council approved an audit committee report including a review of audited financial statements on Monday.
