City Council Governance and Committee Structure

The governance structure of City Council in Thunder Bay could change, and the City is looking for your input on how Council operates.

Currently, City Council uses the Committee of the Whole system to receive reports, debate topics and make preliminary decisions on matters that govern Thunder Bay. Those decisions are then ratified, or confirmed at City Council.

City administration is looking at making changes to the model in place, replacing Committee of the Whole with Standing Committees.

The Standing Committee system would have a smaller group of councillors sit on specific committees, and focus their attention on specific city operations or departments. Standing Committees would receive reports, like Committee of the Whole does, debate and vote on matters, and make a recommendation to City Council. City Council would continue to have the final say on all Council decisions.

This review also includes a scan of the current set up of council advisory committees to see if any changes are required to the number or structure of those committees. City Council currently has over 15 council advisory committees; there are a small number required by law.

Please complete our survey by March 31 to provide feedback on Thunder Bay City Council's governance and committee structure.