THUNDER BAY – The role is typically reserved for the city manager, but Thunder Bay's representative to the Northern Ontario Municipal Association’s (NOMA) will instead be city’s newly appointed commissioner of growth.
City manager John Collin thinks the city's vision would be best represented by growth commissioner Kerri Marshall.
Newswatch reached out to Marshall who said she is honoured to represent Thunder Bay as a member of NOMA.
“I look forward to fostering partnerships, championing policies that support sustainable growth, and strengthening Thunder Bay’s role as a key economic and cultural hub in Northwestern Ontario,” she said.
Collin said that the majority of NOMA’s priorities align with the growth and strategic planning files which is why he felt the new commissioner of growth would be best suited to fill the role on the NOMA board.
With the city's ambitious Smart Growth Plan on the horizon, Marshall noted that NOMA’s regional partnerships and advocacy on a provincial level will benefit the city.
“Through NOMA, we gain access to critical resources, collaborative efforts with neighbouring municipalities, and advocacy that addresses shared challenges,” Marshall said.
However, Collin would need council to support the change as it’s a requirement under NOMA’s constitution.
Coun. Mark Bentz asked if this change would limit Collin’s ability to network with municipalities across the region.
“I don't believe it does. The board is a relatively small group. The relationship building that needs to be established throughout the Northwestern Ontario municipalities is done through many other forums that I still absolutely have the intention of participating in,” Collin said.
Council voted unanimously in support of the change.
The necessary by-laws will be presented to City Council for ratification at a later date.
