THUNDER BAY — City councillors will each get $361 more in pay and the mayor will get a raise of just over a thousand dollars this year.
During this week's meeting, council agreed to a pay increase of 1.1 per cent, or half the rate of inflation.
Administration recommended the increase. Staff used the city's 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase of 2.2 per cent, as calculated by Statistics Canada, as a benchmark.
The total pay increase for the mayor and council this year adds up to $6,814.27, according to the 2025 council remuneration report.
The annual adjustment was already included in the 2025 budget.
Coun. Brian Hamilton asked city staff how often they review council pay rates.
A resolution passed in 2018, by the last council, was meant to “ensure that we are continually increasing the remuneration of council on a gradual basis” to prevent pay rates from falling behind other municipalities, said city director of human resources, Karie Ortgiese.
Ortgiese told Newswatch that the annual increase also “reflects the responsibilities and time commitment of the role.”
Deputy city clerk Dana Earle advised council that the council composition review is looking at pay increases.
“Should there be a change there, the fallout may be a change in remuneration as well,” said Earle.
Coun. Mark Bentz asked whether there was any present research on the connection between council compensation and the experience “people are bringing to the table as members.”
Earle said the city has not done that review.
When asked how the salary makes running for Council more appealing, Ortgiese said, “this helps attract and retain qualified individuals from all backgrounds.”
“A fair salary makes it more feasible for people from diverse walks of life to consider running for office. It removes financial barriers and opens the door for broader representation on council,” she added.
This year's increase is slightly higher than the 2024 increase, which came at a rate of 1.05 per cent.
Councillors will make approximately $33,183, and the mayor will make nearly $100,941.
Council members also receive renumeration for committee work, health and retirement contributions, and a car allowance which is not included in their salaries.
