City Council is sticking to its decision to consider a “Thunder Bay” sign at the waterfront in the 2021 budget.
The original vote began with a motion by Northwood Councillor Shelby Ch’ng, asking to approve funding from the hotel tax. That vote passed at committee of the whole.
Then last week, to ratify that vote at city council, another vote was held. It was during that meeting, though, that council choose to delay the sign until the 2021 budget. When that vote was taken, a technical glitch with Microsoft Teams prevented Councillor Albert Aiello’s vote to be recorded, as he was taking part remotely. Due to some confusion during the vote count, it was recorded as passed, even though the vote was actually tied without Aiello’s vote. The city announced the next day that a do-over was needed.
Monday night, Councillors recast their votes, passing the motion 7-6. Aiello was one of the votes in favour.
The city has estimated the legacy project for the 50th anniversary will cost around $150,000, but hasn’t released a design or a timeline for its installation. The sign is inspired by one in Toronto outside its City Hall.
The votes in favour were Councillors Aiello, Bentz, Giertuga, Hamilton, Johnson, Oliver, and Peng You. Mayor Mauro and Councillors Ch’ng, Foulds, Fraser, McKinnon, and Ruberto were against.
