THUNDER BAY – In a busy meeting that stretched nearly until midnight Monday, city councillors approved plans for a new public transit fare framework and the redevelopment of the former Dease Pool site, but nixed others – notably a proposal to launch an in-house tree nursery program.
Council continues to meet mostly virtually, with only a handful of councillors and key staff present at city hall, as COVID-19 cases spike in the city.
Council narrowly rejects plan to grow trees in-house
A recommendation to launch a municipal tree nursery to meet more of Thunder Bay’s urban forestry needs in-house was rejected by a one-vote margin at council Monday.
The program would have eventually saved the city money, while helping to meet its climate commitments, city staff found.
However, a narrow majority of councillors balked at the program’s up-front costs of $135,000 a year, including the addition of a permanent staff member, and a six-year wait before the first tree would be produced.
Staff had suggested the Water Pollution Control Plant on Atlantic Avenue as a potential nursery location.
Skate park, public plaza approved for former Dease Pool site
Council unanimously approved plans to build a skateboard park and public plaza at the former site of the Dease Pool.
Coun. Mark Bentz voiced concerns the skate park could bring noise concerns for residences facing it, but ultimately accepted assurances from city staff that residents had voiced overwhelming support for the option during public consultation, and that noise barriers will be incorporated into the final design.
Additional consultation is planned on detailed design work before construction proceeds at a later date to be determined.
City recommends against Arthur Street speed reduction
Coun. Cody Fraser said he's prepared to accept a staff recommendation against lowering speed limits on Arthur Street west of the Thunder Bay Expressway.
A report on the possibility sought by the Neebing ward councillor concluded the stretch of Arthur was already safer than average with its existing 80 kilometres an hour speed limit.
“The data doesn’t necessarily support” reducing speeds, Fraser conceded, saying he would discuss the report’s alternative suggestion of wider paved shoulders with constituents.
Transit Fare Strategy
Council approved a new strategy for public transit fares, notably expanding free rides to all children 12 and under as of the spring of 2022 (currently, only kids five and younger ride free).
The age limit for discounted youth passes will also be raised to 24, from 18, and transfers will remain valid for 90, rather than 60, minutes.
Advocates with Poverty Free Thunder Bay, who pushed the city to eliminate fares altogether, said the changes are meaningful, but leave barriers in place for low-income residents.
City boosts lead water loans program
Homeowners looking to replace lead water service connections can count on a bit more support from the municipal government, after councillors unanimously endorsed recommended changes to the city’s lead water loans program Monday.
The city hopes boosting the maximum amount of the five year, interest-free loans from $3,000 to $5,000 will help boost uptake, with only 46 loans issued since it launched in 2020. The city will also add 10 grants of up to $1,000 for low-income homeowners.
School bus stop arm camera program under review
The City of Thunder Bay will consider launching a video surveillance program to catch drivers illegally passing school buses.
The move comes in response to concerns from bus drivers and the local school transportation consortium.
Councillors signalled support for the initiative, but the change could take time, with a report on the possibility not due back to council until September of 2022.
East Avenue weight restrictions in effect
Council officially put new rules designed to prevent heavy trucks from accessing the County Fair Plaza into force on Monday, approving a bylaw amendment that adds weight restrictions on sections of East Avenue and Market Street.
Nearby residents have complained of constant noise, vibrations, and diesel fumes from transport trucks using the mall’s parking lot as an improvised rest area.
City to spend over $700k on Pool 6 improvements
Council committed up to $740,000 on Monday for improvements to the Pool 6 docking facility found to be necessary to welcome cruise ships beginning in 2022.
The work includes replacing the walkway deck and handrails, new fenders and mooring lines, and fencing and lighting for security.
The city will draw the funds from additional Canada Community Building Fund dollars (formerly called the Federal Gas Tax fund) received from the federal government this year.
City considers Neebing River recreation options
Coun. Brian Hamilton’s call to consider expanding recreational opportunities on the Neebing River was passed Monday, but not without reservations.
Coun. Albert Aiello said the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) had raised concerns over the proposal, but other councillors who sit on the LRCA board said it remained worth exploring.
Administration will return by May of 2022 with a report on the possibility of adding a boat launch on the river, and outlining issues like who has jurisdiction over the watercourse.
Hamilton has said the river could be a haven for users like kayakers and water boarders.
City short millions on infrastructure maintenance
The city continues to work to meet new provincial “asset management” requirements, with council approving phase one of a plan to address chronic funding shortfalls to maintain municipal infrastructure on Monday.
It’s a daunting task: the city is falling short of the level of investment needed to maintain just its core assets, like roads, stormwater, wastewater, and water infrastructure, by around $13 million a year, councillors heard.
The city must complete the plan with a financing roadmap to address its infrastructure funding gap by 2025. Residents can view the plan and learn more online.
Community Safety Awards presented
Two Thunder Bay residents and four community projects were honoured for their contributions to community safety on Monday, in a virtual ceremony preceding the city council meeting.
Elder Ma-Nee Chacaby received the Community Hero award, Cornelius Beaver received the Young Leader award, and the care bus initiative, the Indigenous Food Circle, Matawa’s safe sobering site, and the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council’s on-call crisis response service each received an Outstanding Community Project award.
Each of the winners receives a $1,000 prize from a sponsor to support their work.
