THUNDER BAY – In a brief meeting Monday, Thunder Bay’s city council looked to establish itself as a hub for the resettlement of Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion, got a glimpse at the development of the city’s new green bin program, and approved a plan to finance two new pedestrian-cyclist bridges in the Lakehead University area.
Coun. Brian McKinnon returned from a personal leave, thanking his colleagues and constituents for their support during his time away.
Council has continued to meet online due to COVID-19, but the city clerk’s office indicated Monday it will soon advise on “the reopening of city hall” this month.
City asks to be designated Ukrainian resettlement hub
The City of Thunder Bay will ask the federal government to identify it as an “ideal location” for resettlement of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of their country, after council unanimously supported a resolution put forward by Mayor Bill Mauro.
It’s unclear what effect, if any, the city’s request to the government will have. The government “generally doesn’t dictate where refugees or immigrants will choose to relocate,” said Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu.
Mauro argued the city should seize the “opportunity” to welcome refugees, pointing to the city’s rich Ukrainian heritage. He also said the city has a coordinating role to play in ensuring supports like housing and employment are available.
Decisions looming on new green bin program
Major decisions on a new municipal curbside composting program in Thunder Bay are just around the corner, city council has heard.
Council will be asked to approve details like whether businesses and multi-residential units will be included, whether to use an automated cart system that mechanically loads bins, and the possibility of contracting with a third party to manage the waste collected.
The new system must be in place and diverting half of the city’s food and organic waste by 2025, according to provincial policies.
City to seek funds for 2 new pedestrian-cyclist bridges
The city will seek federal funds to build two new pedestrian-cyclist bridges in the Lakehead University area.
If Thunder Bay’s application to the federal Active Transportation Fund is successful, it would cover up to 60 per cent of the cost to build the bridges, estimated at around $600,000 in total.
Council unanimously endorsed making the application Monday, though Coun. Shelby Ch’ng questioned the decision to prioritize the new bridges over the long-discussed Vickers-Carrick Bridge.
One of the new bridges would span the McIntyre River in the area of Lakehead’s Fieldhouse, connecting to a trail that runs behind a residence area known as Deer Lake Ridge that leads toward Confederation College.
The second bridge would connect a trail running through George Burke Park across the river to John Street in the area of Bishop E.Q. Jennings school.
The bridges would address gaps in the city’s multi-use trail network, providing more direct connections, said mobility coordinator Darrik Smith.
The project will use repurposed girders salvaged from the Edward Street Bridge, which Smith added will meaningfully reduce its cost and carbon footprint.
Funds intended to streamline city's development process
The city will use new provincial funding intended to “streamline” development applications to bring many of its planning processes online, making them more accessible and driving efficiencies, staff said.
The city’s allocation for the new Streamline Development Approval Fund is expected to be around $1.75 million.
That will be used to further goals in the city’s new digital strategy, with a focus on developing e-permitting and e-plans.
