THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Police Services Board is still targeting June for the appointment of the city's new police chief, but it could happen sooner.
June 14 is when suspended chief Sylvie Hauth was originally due to retire, a decision she announced in June 2022.
But on Tuesday, the TBPSB announced it had accepted her letter of resignation effective Jan. 27.
This negates the need for Hauth to appear next month at a hearing into allegations of misconduct, which was ordered by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.
Police board secretary John Hannam says there's been "lots of interest" in the job posting for her permanent replacement, but he declined Tuesday to reveal how many external or internal applications were received.
Applications closed on Dec. 16.
Candidates' credentials are now being reviewed by police services board administrator Malcom Mercer and the board's governance committee, which includes three board members and three Indigenous community representatives.
Interviews of selected candidates will follow.
Hannam said depending on how the rest of the process unfolds, it may prove to be convenient for the chosen applicant to take on the job before June.
In the meantime, Dan Taddeo will continue to serve as acting chief.
The police board sought input from the public last summer regarding the skills, qualities and experience the new police chief should have.
Later in the year, an expert panel appointed to advise the board recommended that preference be given to an Indigenous or racialized candidate, so long as the individual meets other essential criteria.
