It could be another long night for Thunder Bay city council, as it prepares to ratify the 2021 budget tonight.
That means any topic, such as the contentious Thunder Bay sign, could be brought forward.
Councillor Mark Bentz says heated discussion is to be expected, but the pandemic does not help. “I look at the pandemic as putting a lot of stress on the members around the table, and the virtual meetings are not as affective as meetings in person. So, these things can occur.”
That’s not the only hot button topic council is facing head on tonight… the question of whether to allow hockey nets on outdoor rinks is also on the agenda. City staff will be presenting more information for elected officials to make a decision.
Also on the agenda, a motion from Councillor Aldo Ruberto to sell the city parkades at the Waterfront and Victoriaville, in an effort to save money. Neebing’s Cody Fraser wants to discuss supporting Oliver-Paipoonge winning the 2021 Kraft Hockeyville title, including hosting the NHL game.
Councillor Bentz points out 13 diverse views at the table is good, in spite of recent meetings getting a little raucous. “People can step outside the bounds that other councillors feel shouldn’t be stepped outside of. It happens, and we deal with it as it occurs.”
Budget Chair Bentz adds colleague Aldo Ruberto apologized for stepping out of bounds last Thursday night, which is a good step forward. After the Chair brought Councillor Peng You back in line for stepping out of line not long after, he reminded the entire group of procedure. He adds council and city staff are looking at ways to examine how council operates, and what concerns they have, and ways to make city council operate better.
