THUNDER BAY – City councillors plan to hold a special committee of the whole meeting next month to address community safety.
The suggestion was brought forth on Monday night by McKellar Coun. Brian Hamilton and at-large Coun. Aldo Ruberto, who said the growing guns and gang problem in Thunder Bay has left residents in many neighbourhoods afraid and unsure where to turn.
The two recently attended a neighbourhood meeting that took place after a recent shooting incident on Dease Street, where drug-fuelled gang activity is a daily occurrence.
Ruberto, who acknowledged good work is being done by various organizations, including police, throughout the city, said he can’t just sit idly by and not attempt to come up with solutions to the problem.
“We can change bylaws. We can make things better 10 times quicker without more consultation,” Ruberto said in an impassioned speech, after other members of council questioned what he hoped to accomplish at the public meeting.
“Things are escalating. Go talk to the business people downtown. They’re having problems and we know about that.”
Ruberto said the public wants action, and they want it now.
“No more research. Nor more studies. We’re done with that. We need to act. Our community needs us to act,” he said.
While Mayor Bill Mauro suggested Ruberto might be better served making a presentation to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board, and administration suggested council might be better off bringing the concerns and solutions put forth by the public for further review, the long-time councillor did find plenty of support around city hall chambers.
“I feel something needs to be done, because people are getting frustrated,” said McIntyre Coun. Albert Aiello.
“It’s a little unorthodox, but maybe that’s what we need,” said Neebing Coun. Cody Fraser.
“It doesn’t mean we have to do this all the time.”
Ruberto and Hamilton faced opposition from at-large Coun. Rebecca Johnson, who argued there are many organizations already doing the work and tackling the major issues.
“We really need to identify what it is we want to come out of a meeting like this,” Johnson said.
“How are we as 13 individuals going to come up with better than what’s already happening out there?”
Northwood Coun. Shelby Ch’ng said while the meeting is a commendable idea, council should also investigate its role in the greater scheme of things.
“This kind of blurs the lines,” Ch’ng said.
“I think it’s better suited for a town hall setting, rather than a special meeting of council.”
Current River Coun. Andrew Foulds said he understands the sense of helplessness in the wake of so much violence in Thunder Bay.
“This is top of mind for everyone. There is no question,” he said.
“What I’m also sensing is that perhaps there is some frustration with councillors.”
Council earlier in the evening received an update on the city's community, safety and well-being planning process, which recommended the crime prevention committee reach out to Fort William First Nation to look into the possibility of a joint plan of attack.
