** The fall 2024 survey has now closed.**
In November 2023, a review committee was formed to discuss the composition of Thunder Bay City Council and the ward system and consider the review of ward boundaries. The Committee will provide City Council with a recommendation on how Council could change by early 2025.
The first phase of engagement was completed in June 2024.
During phase one, respondents were asked what their priorities were for redrawing ward boundaries, or changing the composition of City Council. Some of the priorities identified during phase one consultation included voter representation, Councillor workload, and makingContinue reading
** The fall 2024 survey has now closed.**
In November 2023, a review committee was formed to discuss the composition of Thunder Bay City Council and the ward system and consider the review of ward boundaries. The Committee will provide City Council with a recommendation on how Council could change by early 2025.
The first phase of engagement was completed in June 2024.
During phase one, respondents were asked what their priorities were for redrawing ward boundaries, or changing the composition of City Council. Some of the priorities identified during phase one consultation included voter representation, Councillor workload, and making sure neighborhoods and ward boundaries could be clearly defined by geographical boundaries. This feedback is incorporated into the next public survey.
Other issues considered by the committee, which formed the two options for committee and public consideration include the cost to campaign for an at-large seat vs. a ward seat, determining the best representation for the electorate and that some Indigenous representatives feel it would be easier for an Indigenous candidate to successfully win an at-large vs. a ward seat.
An online survey (available October 7) along with other public feedback sessions are taking place in October and November 2024. Paper surveys will be available at City Hall and at Thunder Bay Public Library branches.
Option One
- Change the ward boundaries to create four wards as part of a hybrid council
- Eight ward Councillors with two councillors elected per ward, and two at-large Councillors
- Registered voters would cast a ballot for five seats at the council table: two Councillors per ward, two at-large Councillors and the Mayor
This option addresses concerns in phase one focus groups and public engagement, including Councillor workload, representation of urban and rural areas, distributed population amongst wards, and to base wards off of geographical elements and make neighourhoods whole. Most large cities in Ontario have ward systems, few have only an at-Large system.
Option Two
- Ten Councillors-at-large, plus a Mayor
- Registered voters would cast eleven votes: one for Mayor, and ten for Councillor-at-large
This option addresses the concept that all voters should be able to cast a ballot for all council seats. Most large cities in Ontario do not have an all at-large system.
The survey has now closed.
Public feedback sessions will include committee members and administration. These sessions will be held on the following dates:
- 55-Plus Centre, River Street, Oct. 10
- Northwood Ward Meeting, Oct. 10
- Westfort Ward Meeting, Oct. 16
- Neebing Ward Meeting, Oct. 17
- Thunder Bay Country Market, Oct. 19
- McIntyre Ward Meeting, Oct. 24
- Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey Game, Fort William Gardens, October 26
- Current River Ward Meeting, Nov. 12
Previous Work in Phase One
The first phase included examining the public's desire to see change to the composition of council, and discovering how the public engages and interacts with City Council. This work is now complete. The results of a survey conducted in phase one can be found here.
Background
The current composition of Thunder Bay City Council consists of 13 members who serve for a four-year term. This 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.
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.
The committee, comprised of six citizens representing the community at large, includes Chair Rebecca Johnson, Vice-Chair Cody Fraser, Riley Burton, Wayne Bahlieda, Heather McLeod and Carlos Santander-Maturana.
