Thunder Bay council meeting sees departures, tourism concerns and debate over pay – Link to this week’s Round Up below.
A series of notable developments emerged from Thunder Bay city council’s latest meeting, including another councilor announcing they will not seek re‑election, concerns over tourism performance, and a lengthy debate over council compensation.
Coun. Pasqualino confirmed he will step away after one term, bringing the number of outgoing elected officials to four. According to the meeting notes, “That makes 4 active members not returning… Pasqualino, Oliver, Ch’ng and Mayor Boshcoff all stepping away.” The departures set the stage for a significant municipal election later this year.
Tourism update raises questions
Council received a presentation from the tourism division reviewing last year’s activity and the upcoming season. The commentary notes ongoing concerns about the city’s spending in U.S. markets despite declining cross‑border traffic. Cruise ship visits are also expected to drop from 13 last year to 10 this year, with “NO over night turn over stops,” eliminating related hotel and airport activity. Staff attributed the decline to shifting cruise line routes.
Special meeting on encampments scheduled
Council approved a Special Committee of the Whole meeting for May 6 to focus exclusively on the city’s encampment strategy. Administration is expected to present the Enhanced Encampment Response Plan, a proposed bylaw governing public‑space use and a framework for designated encampment sites. The commentary notes that council’s decision to dedicate an entire meeting to the issue reflects its scale and sensitivity.
Council pay debate dominates meeting
A report on council compensation prompted the most extensive discussion of the night. Administration recommended a 2.7 per cent increase in 2026, aligned with last year’s inflation rate, followed by a nine per cent increase in 2027. The report states that council pay has risen by just under eight per cent since 2020, while inflation has climbed more than 17 per cent. As a result, councilors are “earning about thirty-five percent less than the median of similar municipalities, and the mayor is about twenty-eight percent behind.”
Several councillors raised concerns about public perception, particularly during an election year. Others argued that compensation has fallen far enough behind comparable cities that it may deter qualified candidates. The clerk confirmed that salary is among the reasons some potential candidates choose not to run.
After debate, council approved both increases. The 2.7 per cent adjustment passed 9–1, while the nine per cent increase passed 7–3.
Looking ahead to the fall election
With nominations opening May 1 and several incumbents stepping aside, the approved compensation changes may influence who enters the race. The this week’s commentary concludes that the additional “55 thousand of half a billion” in the city budget could help attract experienced candidates capable of managing municipal responsibilities.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
