You can watch today’s City Council Round Up below
A punctual and fully attended city council meeting delivered several significant decisions Monday night, including the appointment of a new fire chief, movement on major housing files and confirmation that a long‑serving councillor will not seek re‑election.
Tarini named new fire chief
Council voted to appoint Dave Tarini as the city’s next fire chief. Tarini joined Thunder Bay Fire Rescue in 2003 and has served in multiple roles over more than two decades. Councillors acknowledged his service and welcomed him into the department’s top position.
City advances tax arrears process
Council also approved the registration of tax arrears certificates on 162 properties owing more than $15 million in unpaid taxes. One property accounts for roughly $13 million of that total.
The certificates begin a one‑year redemption period before the City can initiate a tax sale. Administration noted that this step follows repeated attempts to collect outstanding taxes, including notices and direct outreach. Historically, most owners pay before a sale proceeds.
U‑Pass fees increasing for Lakehead students
The U‑Pass program for Lakehead University students will continue for another year, but with an 11.5 per cent fee increase. The rise is part of the City’s long‑term transit pricing strategy.
Students account for about 40 per cent of overall transit ridership. The pass will continue to provide unlimited access to the system.
Parking lot reconstruction added to multiplex‑area work
Council approved a negotiated contract to rebuild the Beverly Street parking lot adjacent to the ongoing multiplex project. The work, estimated at up to $2 million, will be completed by the same contractor already on site.
Administration said the lot has reached end‑of‑life and requires full reconstruction, including underground infrastructure. Using the existing contractor is expected to reduce logistical conflicts and avoid higher costs.
The project is not included in the original multiplex budget, though it is funded within the City’s capital plan.
Nearly 1,200 housing units proposed across multiple sites
Council approved the sale of three major parcels of city‑owned land — Fanshaw, Tokio and Arundel — to a single developer. If fully built out, the sites could support approximately 950 housing units.
The Tokio site is already moving forward. Fanshaw and Arundel require rezoning, with development expected to begin in 2027 and 2028–29, respectively. All agreements include a buy‑back clause allowing the City to reclaim the land if the developer does not proceed.
Council also approved the sale of 545 Algoma Street, a property near St. Ignatius High School and across from the former LPH site. The proposal envisions about 240 residential units with potential mixed‑use components.
Councillor Shelby Chng will not seek re‑election
Councillor Shelby Chng announced she will not run in the upcoming municipal election. Chng, who has served on council for 12 years, said she plans to focus on her career while continuing to contribute to the community in other ways.
Her departure will reshape the council table in the fall. Chng will continue to serve through the remainder of the term.
The City will hold a candidate information session on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall for residents interested in running for office. Nomination periods open May 1.
