City Council Composition Review Phase 1

A City Council Composition Review Committee has been formed to review the current composition of Thunder Bay City Council and the ward system, and consider the review of ward boundaries if applicable and necessary. The committee will provide City Council with a recommendation on how Council could change by early 2025.

The committee is comprised of six citizens representing the community at large including Chair Rebecca Johnson, Vice-Chair Cody Fraser, Riley Burton, Wayne Bahlieda, Heather McLeod and Carlos Santander-Maturana.

Work will take place in two phases, with public engagement and an Open House being the cornerstones of both phases. The first phase includes examining the public's desire to see change to the composition of council, and discovering how the public engages and interacts with City Council.

Background

The City of Thunder Bay is governed by an elected City Council of 13 members who serve for a four-year term. Council includes one mayor, five councillors at-large, and seven ward councillors. Together, they provide municipal representation for all citizens. The current term runs from 2022 - 2026.

Thunder Bay City Council plays a direct and crucial role in providing a variety of services and amenities to people who live, work and play here. These include a wide range of essential functions and programs that are designed to enhance the quality of life, ensure public safety, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

The City of Thunder Bay was established in 1970, an amalgamation of the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur, and the Townships of Neebing and McIntyre. The last change to the composition of City Council was in 1985, when the current system was created. You can find our current ward maps here.

Survey closed FEBRUARY 4, 2024.