THUNDER BAY – “I don't think we have really seen this type of engagement happen at the city before.”
That quote from Richard Togman, the CEO of the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL), as the conversation on the future of city council continues.
During the March 5 meeting, the composition committee committed to two smaller sessions as well as a sharing circle session for Indigenous community members and a larger open house. The dates of the two latter events have yet to be determined.
Committee member Heather McLeod says the working group needs to broaden the conversation beyond the board table.
“The biggest thing that we need to know is what change the citizens would be looking for, and what kind of impact that would have on our municipal government,” McLeod added. “These events will be very unique in their own way.”
The committee is composed of six members including chair Rebecca Johnson, vice-chair Cody Fraser along with members Heather McLeod, Riley Burton, Wayne Bahlieda and Carlos Santander-Maturana.
Johnson isn’t sure what kind of responses will come with the next few events, but likes the fact that the library is hosting the events.
“This will give people an opportunity to really think more about how we might change our local government,” said Johnson. “It’s also a chance for people to have their voices heard in a formal manner rather than just filling out a survey.”
The committee received 659 responses to the three-week online survey with the stronger message from respondents being a recommendation to reduce the size of council and altering the remuneration for members of council.
The Waverley location will host the first smaller session on Thursday, March 21 while the Brodie location will be the site for the second session on Wednesday, March 27.
“One of our core mandates is education and engagement from the public, and what better way to accomplish those mandates than hosting events that talk about local democracy,” said Togman.
“There's really no other place in the community that is equipped or set up for public education and engagement, both from a physical space perspective, but also from an educational background.”
Togman noted those that are selected to participate in the smaller conversations will be compensated for their time.
“If we are trying to recruit people from all backgrounds, the best practice that happens at the library, at the city and across the country itself is that we respect the time commitment that people are giving and compensate them accordingly,” mentioned Togman. “We will be working with the city to pay participants a living wage, which I believe is $20 an hour.
“We pay our administrative staff and city councillors for events like these. We need to pay members of the community for that same work as well.”
A final report from the committee on the composition of council is slated for completion in advance of the 2026 municipal election.
