Council Meeting

Confirmation of Agenda

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council confirmed the agenda for the July 7, 2026 meeting, approving all items listed for discussion that day. The vote passed unanimously with 11 councillors in favor.

WITH RESPECT to the July 7, 2026 City Council, we recommend that the agenda as printed, including any additional information and new business, be confirmed. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

1655 Mountain Road zoning amendment approved

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 9–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Boshcoff

Bentz

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved changes to the zoning rules for a property at 1655 Mountain Road. The council decided that the modifications made during the public meeting were sufficient and no additional public notice is needed to move forward.

THAT with respect to the proposed amendment to By-law 1/2022, as amended, the City of Thunder Bay Zoning By-law, as it applies to Part of Lot 16 CON 3 SKR, except Parts 1-11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 & 23 on 55R13811, Parts 1 to 8 inclusive on 55R-14477 & Parts 1 & 2 on 55R- 14683, Plan 55M535, Block 10, Except Part 1 Plan 55R-15174, municipally known as 1655 Mountain Road, in accordance with Section 51(47) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, Council considers that the changes made to the conditions on the draft plan approval at the public meeting are insufficient to require any further notice. For (10): 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 Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Conflict (1): Councillor Kasey Etreni Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

41-lot residential subdivision zoning approval

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 9–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Boshcoff

Bentz

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

City Council approved a zoning change and subdivision plan for a 41-lot residential development on rural land near Lot 16 CON 3 SKR. Part of the land will be protected as environmental zone, while the rest will allow new homes with specific lot size requirements and a buffer zone next to existing homes.

Zoning By-law Amendment WITH RESPECT to Report 241-2026-Growth-Development Services- Planning Services, Planning Services recommends that the Zoning By-law be amended on the subject lands, being Part of Lot 16 CON 3 SKR, except Parts 1-11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 & 23 on 55R-13811, Parts 1 to 8 inclusive on 55R-14477 & Parts 1 & 2 on 55R-14683, Plan 55M535, Block 10, Except Part 1 Plan 55R-15174 all shown as “Property Location” on Attachment “A” to Report 241-2026 as follows: 1. That the portion of the lands shown as “PROPERTY LOCATION ONE”, be rezoned from the “RS1” – Rural Settlement Zone to “EP” – Environmental Protection Zone. 2. That the portion of the lands shown as “PROPERTY LOCATION TWO”, be rezoned from the “RS1” – Rural Settlement Zone to ““RS1SP115 H3” – Rural Settlement Zone – subject to Site Specific Provision 115 and Holding Provision 3. 3. Add Site Specific Provision 115 to Schedule “C” of the Zoning By-law: “SP115: Site-specific provision 115 The following provisions apply to lands zoned RS1SP115 as shown on 12G and 12H of Schedule “A”: Despite Tables 2.1.1 and 2.3, the following shall apply:  Minimum lot frontage is 30 metres  Minimum lot area is 3000m²  No buildings structures are permitted along the abutting 8.0 metres of the lot line of existing residential uses; and  That any temporary turning circle blocks be deemed to form part of the abutting lot for the purpose of calculating area, frontage, depth, coverage, and yard setbacks. 4. Holding Provision 3 of Schedule “C” of the Zoning By-law be amended to apply to Maps 12G and 12H of Schedule “A”: AND THAT the necessary By-laws are presented to City Council for ratification. ALL as contained in Report 241-2026 (Planning Services), as submitted by the Growth Department Draft Plan of Subdivision WITH respect to the application by BK Realty Inc to create forty one (41) lots with blocks for municipal purposes and new streets, as shown on the plan in Attachment “C” to Report 241-2026 (Planning Services) on Part of Lot 16 CON 3 SKR, except Parts 1-11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 & 23 on 55R-13811, Parts 1 to 8 inclusive on 55R-14477 & Parts 1 & 2 on 55R- 14683, Plan 55M535, Block 10, Except Part 1 Plan 55R-15174 (58T- 24501), draft plan approval is hereby issued for a period of 5 years, subject to the conditions outlined in Attachment "F" and on the plan dated January 22, 2026 Draft Plan of Subdivision prepared by Morgan Planning in Attachment "B" to Report 241-2026 (Planning Services)

• the plan of subdivision proceeds to final approval to the satisfaction of the Engineering & Operations Division, Parks & Open Spaces Division, and Planning Services Section; That prior to the passing of the By-law for Draft Plan Approval: 1. The proposed amendments to the zoning by-law that would facilitate the proposed plan of subdivision for the subject lands, receives approval from City Council. AND THAT any necessary By-laws be presented to City Council for ratification; ALL as contained in Report 241-2026 (Planning Services), as submitted by the Growth Department. For (10): 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 Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Conflict (1): Councillor Kasey Etreni Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Meeting recess - 5 minutes

CARRIED 9–1

Yea (9)

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Nay (1)

Boshcoff

Absent (3)

Etreni

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council voted to take a 5-minute break during the meeting. Nine councillors supported the recess while Mayor Boshcoff voted against it.

THAT the City Council meeting recess for 5 minutes. For (9): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (1): Mayor Ken Boshcoff Absent (3): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, Councillor Kasey Etreni, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Consent Agenda Resolution

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved the consent agenda for the July 7, 2026 meeting, which confirmed the meeting agenda and approved minutes from previous council meetings and various advisory committees and health/social services boards.

WITH RESPECT to the Consent Agenda for the July 7, 2026 City Council meeting, we recommend that the following items be confirmed: 1. Confirmation of Agenda - July 7, 2026 2. Minutes of Previous Council Meetings - June 23, 2026 3. Finance and Administration Standing Committee Minutes - June 30, 2026 4. Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Minutes 5. Mayor's Taskforce on Building More Homes Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 6. Thunder Bay District Health Unit Board of Health Meeting Minutes 7. Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board Minutes For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Board Appointments - Waterfront BIA Board of Directors

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council appointed Jim Comuzzi, Nikos Mantis, and Sarah Boyechko to the Waterfront District BIA Board of Directors for the remainder of their terms, which expire in November 2026.

WITH RESPECT to the confidential memorandum from Jeff Walters, Manager of Legislative Services & City Clerk, dated June 30, 2026 relative to appointments to the Waterfront District BIA Board of Directors, we recommend that Jim Comuzzi, Nikos Mantis and Sarah Boyechko be appointed for the remainder of 4 year terms expiring November 14, 2026, or until such time as replacements have been appointed. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Restore McKellar Mall funding, create water safety reserve

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved restoring a $55,000 annual contribution to the McKellar Mall Reserve Fund that was cut from the 2025 budget, and created a new Health and Safety Water Stream Reserve Fund to manage water-related health and safety initiatives. The city will update its reserve fund policies to reflect these changes.

WITH RESPECT to Report 185-2025-Corporate Services-Finance, we recommend that the Statement of Continuity of Reserves and Reserve Funds (Attachment 2) for the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay be received by City Council for information purposes

• the $55,000 contribution to the McKellar Mall Reserve Fund that was temporarily suspended in the 2025 Budget be restored
• the “Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS) Reserve Fund” be established effective December 31, 2025
• By-law 220-2023 be amended by adding Schedule 58, as appended in Attachment 3
• the amendment to By-law 220-2023 be presented to Council for ratification
• 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 Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Operating Budget and 2027–2028 Capital Budgets was distributed

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved the meeting schedule for deliberating Thunder Bay's 2027 operating budget and 2027-2028 capital budgets. The specific dates are outlined in a table within the report, and any necessary bylaws will be presented to council for final approval.

WITH RESPECT to Report 118-2026-Corporate Services-Finance, we recommend that the dates for Special Committee of the Whole meetings to deliberate the 2027 Operating Budget and 2027-2028 Capital Budget for the City of Thunder Bay be approved in accordance with Table 1: 2027 Budget Calendar, contained in this Report

• 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 Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Naming Rights – Current River Arena

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

City Council approved renaming Current River Arena to Itec Community Arena through a 10-year naming rights agreement. The arena will use the new name for the duration of the agreement, after which it may revert to its original name.

WITH RESPECT to Report 299-2026-Community Services-Recreation & Culture we recommend that Current River Arena be re-named the Itec Community Arena

• the name be limited to the term of the Naming Rights Agreement (10 years) in form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor
• 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 Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Vacant & Dilapidated Building Program - $1.46M

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 10–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Absent (3)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Giertuga

Council approved $1.46 million in funding to create a new program that will rehabilitate vacant and dilapidated buildings in Thunder Bay. The money comes from a reserve fund designated for property rehabilitation, and the Realty Services manager is authorized to handle the related paperwork.

WITH RESPECT to Report 302-2026 (Growth-Development Services- Realty Services), we recommend that Appropriation 19-2026 be approved to establish the Vacant & Dilapidated Building Program capital project in the amount of $1,460,000, funded from the Vested Property Rehabilitation Reserve Fund

• the Manager – Realty Services be authorized to sign all documentation related to these matters
• 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 Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (3): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Request for Approval – Repeal and Replace OMERS Participation By-

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved updating Thunder Bay's retirement benefits rules for municipal employees by replacing two old by-laws with a new one that follows current Ontario Municipal Employees' Retirement System (OMERS) requirements. The changes take effect July 19, 2026.

WITH RESPECT to Report 285-2026-City Manager's Office-Human Resources, we recommend that Council repeal the existing Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (OMERS) participation By-law 230-1970 and By-law 229-1998

• Council adopt the updated OMERS participation by-law attached as Appendix B, effective July 19, 2026, to ensure compliance with current OMERS requirements
• By-law 286-2026 be presented to City Council for ratification
• any necessary bylaws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Advocacy Priorities

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved a list of top priorities to guide staff when asking the provincial and federal governments for funding and support. These include land development, industrial parks, housing infrastructure, affordable housing, a bridge, road improvements, and continued efforts to address homelessness and the opioid crisis.

WITH RESPECT to priorities to guide staff and delegations in their advocacy to other levels of government, we recommend the following be the City of Thunder Bay’s top priorities for advocacy: 1. LPH land transfer to City for development, in collaboration with First Nations; 2. Funding assistance to develop industrial/commercial-ready lands (Industrial Parks); 3. Housing-enabling infrastructure funding (roads, active transportation, utilities, environmental remediation, Police Headquarters); 4. Funding through Build Canada Homes for affordable housing projects; 5. Funding assistance for Mission Island bridge; 6. Funding and hastening of Northwest arterial; 7. Funding authority for mandatory levies from select Agencies, Boards and Commissions

• this list be reviewed by January 2027 by the next term of Council
• there continue to be significant advocacy effort for the social challenges facing our City; most notably but not exclusively, addressing the effects of the opioid crisis and homelessness
• 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 Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Restricted Acts (Lame Duck) Provisions

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved a temporary transfer of certain decision-making powers to the City Manager during the 2026 election period when council members are considered "lame duck" (transitional). This prevents important decisions from being delayed while an election is underway.

WITH RESPECT to Report 192-2026 (City Manager’s Office – Office of the City Clerk), we recommend that City Council temporarily delegate certain authorities to the City Manager, during a restricted period (sometimes referred to as “lame duck”) in the 2026 municipal election, pursuant to section 275 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as further set out in the draft by-law attached to this report

• draft By-law 193-2026, as attached, be presented to City Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Signing Authority By-law – Execution of Documents on Behalf of The

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved a new signing authority bylaw that clarifies which city officials can sign documents on behalf of Thunder Bay. This bylaw sets out the rules for who has the power to execute contracts and agreements for the city.

WITH RESPECT to Report 309-2026-City Manager’s Office - City Solicitor & Corporate Counsel, we recommend that that draft By-law 308-2026- Signing Authority By-law as appended to this report as Attachment “A”, be approved:

• By-law 308-2026 be presented to City Council for ratification. For (11): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Budget Consideration for Granite Road

CARRIED 9–2

Yea (9)

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Bentz

Agarwal

Giertuga

Nay (2)

Boshcoff

Zussino

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council approved moving forward with planning the Granite Road surface treatment project. Administration will include it in the 2027 budget planning process and report back to council with details.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Albert Aiello dated June 24, 2026, we recommend that City Council direct Administration to consider the Granite Road surface treatment project as part of the 2027 Capital Budget process

• Administration report back to Council on this project as part of the 2027 Capital Budget reaffirmation process
• any necessary by-laws be sent to City Council for ratification. For (9): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, 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 (2): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver

Establishment of Special Committee of the Whole - Closed Session

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (2)

Oliver

Ch'ng

Council scheduled a private meeting for Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss confidential personnel matters involving city employees, as permitted under provincial law.

THAT a Special Committee of the Whole –Closed Session meeting be scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 6:00 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 Kasey Etreni, Councillor Andrew Foulds, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (2): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, and Councillor Kristen Oliver