Council Meeting

Summary

Thunder Bay City Council approved three significant zoning changes to spur residential development: rezoning 1240 Dawson Road for mid-rise apartments with conditions on engineering studies, and converting two Coady Avenue properties from future development to urban low-rise zoning. Council also voted itself pay raises of 2.7% effective January 2026 and a further 9% increase starting January 2027, with one councillor voting against the initial increase. Additionally, all non-union city staff will receive a 3% wage increase backdated to January 2026 with updated benefits.

Motions

Confirmation of Agenda

#1 CARRIED Recorded vote: 9-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 9–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (4)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council confirmed the agenda for the April 21, 2026 meeting, approving all items listed for discussion that day. The motion passed with 9 councillors voting in favour.

WITH RESPECT to the April 21, 2026 City Council meeting, we recommend that the agenda as printed, including any additional information and new business, be confirmed. For (9): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (4): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Kasey Etreni

Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment - 1240 Dawson Road

#2 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved rezoning 1240 Dawson Road from low-rise to mid-rise zoning to allow apartment development. One part of the property has conditions requiring engineering studies to confirm the land can handle water drainage and won't block future road extensions before construction can begin.

WITH RESPECT to Report 093-2026 – Growth – Development Services – Planning Services, we recommend that the Zoning By-law be amended on the subject lands being Part of Mining Location R3 described as Parts 2-8 on Reference Plan 55R-2065 except Parts 1-4 on Reference Plan 55R- 10614, municipally known as 1240 Dawson Road, all shown as “Property Location One” on Attachment “A” to Report 093-2026, the Zoning By-law be amended as follows: 1. Rezone the subject lands, shown as “Property Location One” on Attachment “A”, by removing them from the “UL” – Urban Low-rise Zone and instead rezone to the UMSP114 – Urban Mid-rise Zone, subject to site specific provision 114. 2. Rezone the subject lands, shown as “Property Location Two” on Attachment “A”, by removing them from the “UL” – Urban Low-rise Zone and instead rezone to the UM SP114-H19 – Urban Mid-rise Zone, subject to subject to site specific provision 114 and holding provision 19. 3. Schedule “C” of the Zoning By-law be amended to add the following: “SP114: Site Specific Provision 114 The following provisions apply to lands zoned UMSP114, as shown on Map 5M of Schedule “A”: 4. Schedule “C” of the Zoning By-law be amended to add the following:- Despite Table 3.1.2a, the minimum lot frontage for an apartment is 15 metres;- Despite Table 3.2.1c, the maximum front setback for an apartment with six or less homes is 80 metres;- Despite Table 3.2.1d, the maximum front setback for an apartment with more than six homes is 80 metres.” 4. Schedule “B” of the Zoning By-law be amended to add the following: “H19: Holding Provision 19 The following provisions apply to lands zoned “UMH18”, as shown on Map 5M of Schedule “A”: a. No development is permitted; b. The Holding Symbol must not be removed until the Engineering Division and Planning Services have received and approved a study conducted by a qualified professional with recognized expertise in the appropriate disciplines that demonstrates: i. That the lands can be adequately serviced, including drainage, to support development; ii. That there will be no negative impacts on the future extension of Aquamarine Drive.”

  • the subject property be designated as an area of Site Plan Control:
  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver
Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Kasey Etreni

Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment - 116-222 Coady Avenue

#3 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved changing the zoning for the properties at 116 and 222 Coady Avenue from 'Future Development' to 'Urban Low-rise,' which will allow for low-rise residential or mixed-use buildings on these lots. The necessary bylaw documents will be presented to council for final approval.

WITH RESPECT to Report 122-2026 – Growth – Development Services – Planning Services, Planning Services recommends that the Zoning By-law be amended on the subject lands, being Registered Plan M-25, Lots 5 to10, shown as “Property Location” on Attachment “A” to Report 236-2025, and municipally known as 116 and 222 Coady Avenue, to re-zone the subject lands from “FD” – Future Development Zone to “UL” – Urban Low- rise Zone

  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver
Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Michael Zussino

Human Resources Matter - 2026 Non-Affiliated, Non-Union and

#4 CARRIED Recorded vote: 8-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved a 3% wage increase effective January 1, 2026 for all managers, non-union employees, and non-affiliated staff. The motion also updated vacation and leave benefits and made changes to the compensation structure for these employee groups.

WITH RESPECT to Report 2026CLS.007 (Human Resources), a 3.0% general wage increase be applied, effective January 1, 2026, to all managerial and non-union employees governed by the Managerial and Non-Union By-Law, and that the Managerial and Non-Union Salary Schedule be amended accordingly

  • a 3.0% general wage increase be applied, effective January 1, 2026, to all non-affiliated employees and that the Non-Affiliated Salary Schedule be amended accordingly
  • amendments to the annual vacation and lieu time entitlements, as outlined in this report, be approved effective January 1, 2026
  • the compensation strategy as outlined in this report, be approved effective January 1, 2026
  • amendments to the Managerial and Non-Union By-Law to implement the approved changes to the paid leave entitlements, benefits and housekeeping changes as outlined in this report, be approved effective January 1, 2026. For (9): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Conflict (1): Councillor Andrew Foulds Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver
Moved by Ken Boshcoff , seconded by Albert Aiello

Consent Agenda Resolution

#5 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved the minutes from multiple meetings and committees held since the last council meeting, and confirmed the external funding strategies agreement and an updated meeting calendar.

WITH RESPECT to the Consent Agenda for the April 21, 2026 City Council meeting, we recommend that the following items be confirmed: 1. Minutes of Previous City Council Meeting 2. Minutes of Special Committee of the Whole - Closed Session 3. Finance and Administration Standing Committee Minutes 4. Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes 5. Heritage Advisory Committee Minutes 6. Mayor's Taskforce on Building More Homes Advisory Committee Minutes 7. Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee Minutes 8. External Funding Strategies Agreement 9. Change to Calendar of Meetings For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Moved by Ken Boshcoff , seconded by Kasey Etreni

Establishment of Special Committee of the Whole - Proposed

#6 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

City Council scheduled a special meeting for May 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a closed session at 5:30 p.m. The meeting calendar will be updated to reflect these new meetings.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Cynthia Olsen – Director, Strategy & Engagement, dated April 20, 2026, we recommend that a Special Committee of the Whole meeting be established on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 to commence at 6:30 p.m.

  • a Closed Session meeting be established on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 to commence at 5:30 p.m.
  • the 2026 Calendar of Meetings be updated accordingly
  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver
Moved by Greg Johnsen , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Council Remuneration Report

#7 media

City Council approved pay raises for itself and the Mayor: a 2.7% increase starting January 1, 2026, followed by a 9% increase starting January 1, 2027 (worth $3,067.14 for councillors and $9,329.98 for the Mayor annually).

WITH RESPECT to Report 130-2026 (City Manager's Office – Human Resources), a 2.7% increase to City Council remuneration be applied effective January 1, 2026

  • effective January 1, 2027, an increase of $3,067.14 be applied to City Councillor remuneration and $9,329.98 to the Mayor’s remuneration, representing a 9% increase
  • the compensation strategy as outlined in this report be approved effective January 1, 2026
  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. 2026 Council Remuneration Report – Paragraph 1
Moved by Brian Hamilton , seconded by Albert Aiello

Council Remuneration Report – Paragraph 1

#8 CARRIED Recorded vote: 9-1
CARRIED 9–1
Yea (9)
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Nay (1)
Michael Zussino Zussino
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council voted to give itself a 2.7% salary raise effective January 1, 2026. Nine councillors and the mayor supported it, with one councillor opposed.

WITH RESPECT to Report 130-2026 (City Manager's Office – Human Resources), a 2.7% increase to City Council remuneration be applied effective January 1, 2026; For (9): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, and Councillor Dominic Pasqualino Against (1): Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Moved by Brian Hamilton , seconded by Albert Aiello

Council Remuneration Report – Paragraphs 3-5

#9 CARRIED Recorded vote: 7-3
CARRIED 7–3
Yea (7)
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Nay (3)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved a 9% pay raise for city councillors and the mayor, effective January 1, 2027. Councillors will receive an additional $3,067.14 annually and the mayor will receive $9,329.98 annually.

AND THAT effective January 1, 2027, an increase of $3,067.14 be applied to City Councillor remuneration and $9,329.98 to the Mayor’s remuneration, representing a 9% increase

  • the compensation strategy as outlined in this report be approved effective January 1, 2026
  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (7): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, and Councillor Dominic Pasqualino Against (3): Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver
Moved by Brian Hamilton , seconded by Albert Aiello

Establishment of Special Committee of the Whole - Closed Session -

#11 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (3)
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council scheduled a closed-door meeting for May 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss confidential matters including employee negotiations, potential lawsuits, and legal advice that must stay private under provincial law.

THAT a Special Committee of the Whole – Closed Session meeting be scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in order to receive information pursuant to the Municipal Act (Section 239 (2)) relative to: (d) labour relations or employee negotiations; (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Moved by Kasey Etreni , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Procedural

#10 Council approved four new by-laws: updating zoning rules at 1240 Dawson Road and 116 & 222 Coady Avenue, establishing site plan control requirements at 1240 Dawson Road, and updating the list of city officers. All changes passed with 10 votes in favor. CARRIED
Moved by Greg Johnsen , seconded by Albert Aiello
#12 Council attempted to formally confirm and approve the official record of their April 21, 2026 meeting proceedings through By-law 158-2026. The motion failed to pass. LOST
Moved by Ken Boshcoff , seconded by Kasey Etreni