Council Meeting

Summary

Council took major steps on homelessness and heritage preservation, designating three parks—Current River, Freedom, and Simpson Street—as official encampment sites with $208,500 approved for fencing, though Current River's opening is contingent on the other two sites reaching 80% combined occupancy. The city also protected five historic buildings as heritage properties including the Bank of Montreal on Cumberland Street and the District Court House on Camelot Street, and approved an updated waterfront master plan for Pool 6 and Tug Boat Basin. Council streamlined development decisions by delegating planning authority citywide through Official Plan Amendment 22, and Thunder Bay was unanimously selected as a pilot site for Ontario's Immigration Nominee Program to attract skilled workers to the region.

Motions

Confirmation of Agenda

#1 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
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

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.

WITH RESPECT to the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting, we recommend that the agenda as printed, including any additional information and new business, be confirmed. For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Greg Johnsen , seconded by Kristen Oliver

OPA 22 (City-wide) Delegation of Authority – Certain Planning

#2 CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

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.

WITH RESPECT to Report 181-2026 – Growth – Development Services – Planning Services, we recommend that Official Plan Amendment No. 22 be adopted

  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni
Moved by Ken Boshcoff , seconded by Albert Aiello

City Manager Performance Review

#3 CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

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.

WITH RESPECT to the Confidential Memorandum from Director-Human Resources Karie Ortgiese, dated May 5, 2026, we recommend that Administration proceed as directed in Closed Session. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Greg Johnsen , seconded by Albert Aiello

Consent Agenda Resolution

#4 CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

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.

WITH RESPECT to the Consent Agenda for the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting, we recommend that the following items be confirmed: 1. Minutes of Previous Council Meeting – May 5, 2026 2. Minutes of Previous Special Committee of the Whole Meetings – May 5, 2026 and May 6, 2026. 3. District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board Minutes For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Kristen Oliver , seconded by Greg Johnsen

Use of Public Spaces By-law Report

#5 media CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

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.

WITH RESPECT to Report 214-2026-Growth-Strategy & Engagement, we recommend that draft By-law 216-2026-Use of Public Spaces as appended to this report as Attachment A, be approved

  • By-law 216-2026 be presented to City Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni
Moved by Kristen Oliver , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Designated Encampment Sites

#6 media

Council designated three parks as official encampment sites: Current River Park, Freedom Park, and Simpson Park. The council approved $208,500 in funding to build fencing around these sites.

WITH RESPECT to Report 048-2026-Growth-Strategy & Engagement, we recommend that Site A – Current River Park as described in this report be recognized as a designated encampment site, subject to final floodplain mapping to establish final site boundaries

  • Site B – Freedom Park as described in this report be recognized as a designated encampment site
  • Site F – Simpson as described in this report be recognized as a designated encampment site
  • Budget Appropriation 13-2026 be approved to establish and fund the Designated Encampment Fencing capital project in the amount of $208,500
  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. Recess
Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Brian Hamilton

10-minute recess during meeting

#7 CARRIED Recorded vote: 9-2
CARRIED 9–2
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

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

THAT the City Council meeting recess for 10 minutes. For (9): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (2): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, and Councillor Mark Bentz Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Dominic Pasqualino , seconded by Rajni Agarwal

Site A development tied to 80% occupancy threshold

#8 CARRIED Recorded vote: 7-4
CARRIED 7–4
Yea (7)
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Nay (4)
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

The council approved adding a condition to the Growth Strategy report stating that Site A will only be developed once Site B and Site F reach 80% occupancy combined. The motion passed 7-4.

WITH RESPECT to Report 048-2026-Growth-Strategy & Engagement we recommend that the following paragraph be added after Paragraph 1: "AND THAT Site A be operationalized upon Site B and Site F reaching a combined occupancy of 80%;" For (7): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (4): Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, and Councillor Kristen Oliver Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Rajni Agarwal , seconded by Albert Aiello

Current River Park approved as encampment site

#9 CARRIED Recorded vote: 8-3
CARRIED 8–3
Yea (8)
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Michael Zussino Zussino
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Nay (3)
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved Current River Park as a designated encampment site for people experiencing homelessness. The site will open once two other encampment sites (Site B and Site F) reach 80% capacity combined.

WITH RESPECT to Report 048-2026-Growth-Strategy & Engagement, we recommend that Site A – Current River Park as described in this report be recognized as a designated encampment site, subject to final floodplain mapping to establish final site boundaries

  • Site A be operationalized upon Site B and Site F reaching a combined occupancy of 80%; For (8): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (3): Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni
Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Freedom Park designated as encampment site

#10 CARRIED Recorded vote: 9-2
CARRIED 9–2
Yea (9)
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Dominic Pasqualino Pasqualino
Greg Johnsen Johnsen
Ken Boshcoff Boshcoff
Kristen Oliver Oliver
Mark Bentz Bentz
Rajni Agarwal Agarwal
Nay (2)
Michael Zussino Zussino
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council has designated Freedom Park (Site B) as an official encampment site in Thunder Bay. This means the city is formally recognizing this location as a designated area where people experiencing homelessness can set up camp.

AND THAT Site B – Freedom Park as described in this report be recognized as a designated encampment site; For (9): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, and Councillor Dominic Pasqualino Against (2): Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Simpson Street designated as encampment site

#11 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-1
CARRIED 10–1
Yea (10)
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
Nay (1)
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved Site F at Simpson Street as an official encampment site. This designates the location as a recognized area where people experiencing homelessness can set up temporary shelters.

AND THAT Site F – Simpson as described in this report be recognized as a designated encampment site; For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (1): Councillor Trevor Giertuga Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Designated Encampment Fencing - $208,500

#12 CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-1
CARRIED 10–1
Yea (10)
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
Nay (1)
Trevor Giertuga Giertuga
Absent (2)
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

Council approved $208,500 to build and install fencing around a designated encampment area. The project will move forward pending any necessary bylaw updates.

AND THAT Budget Appropriation 13-2026 be approved to establish and fund the Designated Encampment Fencing capital project in the amount of $208,500

  • any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (10): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (1): Councillor Trevor Giertuga Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni
Moved by Albert Aiello , seconded by Brian Hamilton

Pool 6 Visioning and Master Plan Update

#13 media CARRIED Recorded vote: 10-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0
Albert Aiello Aiello
Andrew Foulds Foulds
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 (3)
Brian Hamilton Hamilton
Kasey Etreni Etreni
Shelby Ch'ng Ch'ng

City Council approved an updated master plan for the Pool 6 and Tug Boat Basin waterfront area. The necessary by-laws to implement this plan will be brought back to council for a final vote.

WITH RESPECT to Report 221-2026-Growth-Development Services, we recommend that the Pool 6 / Tug Boat Basin Waterfront Master Plan Update be adopted

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

Pacific Avenue, be designated as City of Thunder Bay heritage

#14 media CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

Council designated five historic properties in Thunder Bay as official heritage sites: the Doctor's Cottage on Ray Court, the Bank of Montreal on Cumberland Street, the District Court House on Camelot Street, the McIntyre House on Isabella Street, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Pacific Avenue. These properties will be added to the city's heritage register and protected under Ontario's Heritage Act.

WITH RESPECT to Report 220-2026-City Manager’s Office – Office of the City Clerk, we recommend that the properties known as the Doctor’s Cottage, located at 281 Ray Court, the Bank of Montreal, located at 27 Cumberland St S, the Thunder Bay District Court House, located at 277 Camelot St, the McIntyre House located at 1017 Isabella Street East, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary located at 716 Pacific Avenue, be designated as City of Thunder Bay heritage properties for their design, historical, and contextual value as defined by Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act

  • the properties be listed on the City of Thunder Bay’s heritage register as designated properties
  • By-law 219-2026 being a By-law to designate the above noted properties under the Ontario Heritage Act be presented to City Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni
Moved by Brian Hamilton , seconded by Rajni Agarwal

Regional Pilot for the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program

#16 CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

Council unanimously approved Thunder Bay's application to become a pilot site for Ontario's Immigration Nominee Program, which will help local employers recruit and keep skilled workers to support economic growth in the city and region.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Trevor Giertuga dated May 15, 2026, we recommend in full support for the Community Economic Development Commission’s Expression of Interest application for the delivery of a Regional Pilot for the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program which would assist local employers in attracting and retaining skilled workers and assist in the growth and development of the city of Thunder Bay and our surrounding communities

  • a copy of this resolution be provided to the CEDC for inclusion in their submission for this valuable program
  • any necessary by-laws be presented to Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni
Moved by Trevor Giertuga , seconded by Greg Johnsen

Establishment of Special Committee of the Whole - Closed Session -

#17 CARRIED Recorded vote: 11-0
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0
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

Council scheduled a closed-door meeting for June 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss personal matters about a specific individual, likely a municipal employee, in accordance with provincial privacy laws.

THAT a Special Committee of the Whole – Closed Session meeting be scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in order to receive information pursuant to the Municipal Act (Section 239 (2)) relative to: (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kasey Etreni

Moved by Dominic Pasqualino , seconded by Kristen Oliver

Procedural

#15 Council approved six new by-laws covering property development controls at three locations, the 2026 tax policy and levy, an update to the city's Official Plan, and rules for using municipal public spaces. All 11 councillors present voted in favor. CARRIED
Moved by Ken Boshcoff , seconded by Albert Aiello
#18 Council approved By-law 178-2026, which officially confirms that all the decisions and proceedings from the May 19, 2026 council meeting were conducted properly and legally. This is a standard administrative step that validates everything council did at that meeting. CARRIED
Moved by Brian Hamilton , seconded by Michael Zussino