Council Structure

Thunder Bay's 13-member council: 1 mayor, 5 at-large, and 7 ward representatives.

$467,000 → $500,000

Total Annual

~1.8%/yr avg

$95,000 -> $100,941

Mayor

plus expenses, benefits

$31,000 -> $33,183

Councillors (12)

plus expenses, benefits

Members

Ken Boshcoff
Mayor 5th term
Ken Boshcoff

Lakehead University economics graduate with a Master's in Environmental Studies from York University. Served as councillor (1979), mayor (1997–2003), and federal MP for Thunder Bay–Rainy River (2004–2008) before returning as mayor in 2022. Instrumental in establishing the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and is the only mayor to have served as president of all three major Ontario municipal associations.

158 for · 17 against · 18 absent

Trevor Giertuga
At-Large 6th term
Trevor Giertuga

Third-generation Thunder Bay resident first elected in 2000, making him the longest continuously serving councillor. Works as Deputy Superintendent of Programs at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and previously owned a small business in McIntyre Ward. Known for constituent accessibility and focus on economic development, youth employment, and public safety.

145 for · 25 against · 20 absent

Mark Bentz
At-Large 5th term
Mark Bentz

Holds degrees in Physics and Education; currently a professor at Confederation College's School of Aviation, Engineering Technology and Trades. Chaired the Waterfront Development Committee that helped attract over $100 million in investment to Prince Arthur's Landing. Chairs Administrative Services overseeing the city's annual budget process.

Budget Chair

149 for · 26 against · 18 absent

Shelby Ch'ng
At-Large 3rd term
Shelby Ch'ng

Honours Political Science graduate from Lakehead University who owned Unveiled Bridal in Thunder Bay's South Core for nearly a decade. Won the 2019 Wheels of Change Community Champion of the Year award for active transportation advocacy. Carries one of the largest committee portfolios on council, including Vice-Chair of Intergovernmental Affairs.

131 for · 22 against · 40 absent

Kasey Etreni
At-Large 1st term
Kasey Etreni

Retired Charge Radiation Therapist from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with a B.Sc. (Honours) from Western Michigan University. Served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. Sits on boards for the Thunder Bay Police Service, Age Friendly Thunder Bay, and the District Health Unit.

132 for · 23 against · 39 absent

Rajni Agarwal
At-Large 1st term
Rajni Agarwal

University of Toronto science graduate and licensed Ontario real estate broker since 1991. Developer behind Terra Vista Condominiums, Thunder Bay's largest condominium development. Business experience spans real estate, land development, property management, and international education.

151 for · 26 against · 17 absent

Andrew Foulds
Current River 5th term
Andrew Foulds

Honours B.Sc. from University of Toronto and B.Ed. from Queen's University; teaches Biology at Westgate Collegiate. Championed the Boulevard Lake dam rehabilitation for over 13 years, helping secure $13.2 million in federal funding.

154 for · 26 against · 9 absent

Albert Aiello
McIntyre 2nd term
Albert Aiello

Spent 29 years with the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay, serving as Executive Director since 2001. Created the city's first Community Hub and is a graduate of the inaugural Leadership Thunder Bay program. Advocates for practical infrastructure improvements including designated truck routes.

165 for · 25 against · 1 absent

Brian Hamilton
McKellar 2nd term
Brian Hamilton

Long-time small business owner in Thunder Bay's downtown core with over 20 years of experience in economic development. Past president of the Bay and Algoma Business District who helped establish Thunder Bay's first Buskers Festival. Serves on the District Social Services Administration Board advocating for the region's most vulnerable citizens.

158 for · 20 against · 7 absent

Kristen Oliver
Westfort 2nd term
Kristen Oliver

Confederation College graduate serving as Senior Advisor for Municipal and Stakeholder Engagement at Enbridge Gas Ontario. Previously spent seven years as Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, lobbying provincial and federal governments. Chairs the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and serves as a Board of Governor at Confederation College.

147 for · 21 against · 23 absent

Greg Johnsen
Neebing 1st term
Greg Johnsen

Holds a Master of Arts in History and teaches law, philosophy, and history at St. Patrick High School. Serves on the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Museum. Championed a bylaw requiring all councillors to host annual public ward meetings, taking effect in 2027.

158 for · 26 against · 6 absent

Dominic Pasqualino
Northwood 1st term
Dominic Pasqualino

Spent 35 years at the Can Car/Bombardier/Alstom rail plant and served 11 years as President of Unifor Local 1075. Met with over 108 federal representatives to lobby for transit manufacturing contracts that preserved local jobs. Advocates on council for infrastructure improvements and community services in Northwood.

159 for · 26 against · 4 absent

Michael Zussino
Red River 1st term
Michael Zussino

Lifelong Red River resident with a B.Sc. and B.Ed. from Lakehead University. 25-year educator with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Advocates for community health and recreation infrastructure, including supporting the city's $42-million indoor turf sports facility.

156 for · 29 against · 2 absent

Recorded Votes

Boshcoff, KenGiertuga, TrevorBentz, MarkCh'ng, ShelbyEtreni, KaseyAgarwal, RajniFoulds, AndrewAiello, AlbertHamilton, BrianOliver, KristenJohnsen, GregPasqualino, DominicZussino, Michael
Ken BoshcoffTrevor GiertugaMark BentzShelby Ch'ngKasey EtreniRajni AgarwalAndrew FouldsAlbert AielloBrian HamiltonKristen OliverGreg JohnsenDominic PasqualinoMichael Zussino
Councillor voting record on recorded votes
Boshcoff, KenGiertuga, TrevorBentz, MarkCh'ng, ShelbyEtreni, KaseyAgarwal, RajniFoulds, AndrewAiello, AlbertHamilton, BrianOliver, KristenJohnsen, GregPasqualino, DominicZussino, Michael
Ken BoshcoffTrevor GiertugaMark BentzShelby Ch'ngKasey EtreniRajni AgarwalAndrew FouldsAlbert AielloBrian HamiltonKristen OliverGreg JohnsenDominic PasqualinoMichael Zussino
May 19, 2026
May 5, 2026
April 21, 2026
April 7, 2026
March 17, 2026
March 3, 2026
February 17, 2026
February 3, 2026
January 13, 2026
December 2, 2025
November 4, 2025
October 21, 2025
October 7, 2025
September 16, 2025
September 2, 2025
July 21, 2025
June 23, 2025
May 5, 2025
April 28, 2025
April 14, 2025
February 10, 2025
October 28, 2024
September 9, 2024
June 24, 2024
June 3, 2024
March 25, 2024
February 12, 2024
November 27, 2023
August 28, 2023
March 27, 2023
February 6, 2023
May 19, 2026

May 19, 2026 Meeting Agenda Confirmed

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0

Council confirmed the meeting agenda for May 19, 2026, including all printed items and any new business that was added. The vote passed unanimously with 10 council members in favour.

Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

OPA 22: Planning Authority Delegation (City-wide)

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Council approved Official Plan Amendment No. 22, which delegates certain planning authority to streamline development decisions across the city. The amendment will be formalized through by-laws that council will review and ratify.

Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

City Manager Performance Review

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Council voted to proceed with the City Manager's performance review as recommended by the Human Resources Director. The specific details were discussed in a closed session meeting.

Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Approved previous meeting minutes

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Council approved the minutes from their May 5th and May 6th meetings, as well as minutes from the Social Services Administration Board. This is a routine procedural motion to formally confirm the accuracy of previous meeting records.

Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Use of Public Spaces By-law approved

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Council approved a new by-law that will regulate how public spaces in Thunder Bay can be used. The by-law will now go to City Council for final ratification.

Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

10-minute recess during meeting

CARRIED 9–2

Council took a 10-minute break during the meeting. Nine councillors voted in favour while the mayor and one councillor voted against.

Yea (9)
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Nay (2)
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng
Ward Map 7 wards · 1 mayor · 5 at-large
Layers