Council Meeting

Confirmation of Agenda

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council approved the agenda for the August 11, 2026 meeting, including all printed items and any new business that was added. All 12 council members voted in favor.

WITH RESPECT to the Tuesday, August 11, 2026 City Council, we recommend that the agenda as printed, including any additional information and new business, be confirmed. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

791 Arundel Street rezoned for mid-rise residential

CARRIED 9–3

Yea (9)

Aiello

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Giertuga

Nay (3)

Foulds

Zussino

Agarwal

Council approved changes to allow a mid-rise residential building on 791 Arundel Street. The property was rezoned from Community to Urban Mid-rise, and restrictions on building setbacks were removed to facilitate development.

WITH RESPECT to Report 324-2026-Growth-Development Services- Planning Services, we recommend that the Official Plan and Zoning By- law be amended on the subject lands, being Part of Lot C, Plan 59 McIntyre S. of Arundel St & E of 55R-3630 Except Plan 818, shown as “Property Location” on Attachment A to Report 324-2026, and municipally known as 791 Arundel Street

• the subject lands be redesignated in the Official Plan from the Community Designation to the Residential Designation
• the Zoning By-law be amended as it applies to the subject lands as follows: i) Rezone from the "CM" – Community Zone to the "UM" – Urban Mid- rise Zone with Site Specific Provision 116 ii) Redefine a Lot to mean the lands contained by the boundaries shown and labeled UMSP116 iii) Delete the maximum front building setback on a Lot as re-defined
• the authority delegated to the Committee of Adjustment be withdrawn with respect to consent to create private easements on the subject lands
• consent for private easements for servicing and access across both proposed new parcels of land be approved conditionally for a period of two years ending on August 11, 2028, subject to the conditions in Attachment “D” to this report
• the consent for private easements proceed to final approval to the satisfaction of the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment
• the lands be designated as an area of Site Plan Control
• the Director - Development Services be authorized to execute any required Development Agreements
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (9): Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Councillor Albert Aiello, Councillor Mark Bentz, Councillor Kasey Etreni, Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Councillor Brian Hamilton, Councillor Greg Johnsen, Councillor Kristen Oliver, and Councillor Dominic Pasqualino Against (3): Councillor Rajni Agarwal, Councillor Andrew Foulds, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Council meeting recess (5 minutes)

CARRIED 11–1

Yea (11)

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Nay (1)

Boshcoff

Council took a 5-minute break during the meeting. The motion passed with 11 councillors voting in favour and Mayor Boshcoff voting against.

THAT the City Council meeting recess for 5 minutes. For (11): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Against (1): Mayor Ken Boshcoff

144 Fanshaw St rezoned to mid-rise

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council approved changing the zoning of 144 Fanshaw Street from low-rise to mid-rise, allowing taller buildings on this property. The city will also require a site plan review process and can enter into development agreements for this project.

WITH RESPECT to Report 315-2026-Growth-Development Services- Planning Services, Planning Services recommends that the Zoning By-law be amended on the subject lands, being Block L on Registered Plan M325, shown as “Property Location” on Attachment “A” to Report 315- 2026, and municipally known as 144 Fanshaw Street, to re-zone the subject lands from “UL” – Urban Low-rise Zone to “UM” – Urban Mid-rise Zone

• the lands be designated as an area of Site Plan Control
• the Director - Development Services be authorized to execute any necessary Development Agreements
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Consent Agenda Resolution

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council approved a batch of 17 routine items including meeting minutes, committee approvals, a sign variance for Sport Chek, a crossing guard location, library hiring process, tax relief application, and the sale of city properties on Cumberland Street and Francis Street.

WITH RESPECT to the Consent Agenda for the August 11, 2026 City Council meeting, we recommend that the following items be confirmed: 1. Minutes of Previous City Council Meeting 2. Minutes of Previous Committee of the Whole - Closed Session Meeting 3. Quality of Life Standing Committee Minutes 4. Growth Standing Committee Minutes 5. Ward Meeting Minutes 6. Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes 7. Sign Variance Application - Sport Chek 8. Mayor's Taskforce on Building More Homes Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 9. Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 10. Community Economic Development Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 11. Application For Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes Under Section 357 of the Municipal Act 12. Crossing Guard Location Addition 13. Waverly Park Fountain Restoration Project - NOHFC Funding Application 14. Thunder Bay Public Library Recruitment and Selection Process 15. Repeal of By-law 99-2017 - City Solicitor and Corporate Counsel 16. Land Related Matter - 120 and 122 Cumberland St. S. Surplus and Sale 17. Property Related Matter - 1702, 1706, and 1708 Francis St. W., part of Metcalfe Ave. (untravelled) For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Board and Committee Appointments - Compliance Audit Committee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council appointed three people—Norm Gale, John Friday, and Yves Fricot—to serve on the Compliance Audit Committee for the next four years (2026-2030). This committee oversees financial accountability and compliance for the city.

THAT with respect to the appointment of a Compliance Audit Committee, in accordance with Section 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, we recommend the following individuals be appointed for the 2026 -2030 term of City Council: 1. Norm Gale 2. John Friday 3. Yves Fricot

• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification/ For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Legal Matter

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council unanimously approved administration to proceed with a legal matter that was discussed in a closed session meeting. The specific details of what action will be taken were not disclosed publicly.

WITH RESPECT to Report 2026CLS.017(City Solicitor & Corporate Counsel) we recommend that Administration proceed as directed in Closed Session. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Property Related Matter - Art Gallery Update

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council unanimously approved administration to proceed with actions regarding the Art Gallery as discussed in a closed-door session. The specific details were not disclosed publicly.

WITH RESPECT to Confidential Report 2026CLS.018 (Realty Services) we recommend that Administration proceed as directed in Closed Session. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Compliance Audit Committee appointed for 2026-2030

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council approved the rules and appointed three citizens (Norm Gale, John Friday, and Yves Fricot) to serve on the Compliance Audit Committee for the next four years. This committee will oversee the city's compliance and audit matters.

WITH RESPECT to Report 275-2026-City Manager’s Office – Office of the City Clerk, we recommend that the Terms of Reference for the 2026-2030 Compliance Audit Committee, as appended as Attachment A to this report, be approved

• the following citizens be appointed to the Compliance Audit Committee to align with the 2026-2030 term of Council: 1. Norm Gale 2. John Friday 3. Yves Fricot AND THAT any necessary by-laws be presented to Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Thunder Bay Hydro Corporation Dividend Policy

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council approved sending Thunder Bay Hydro's dividend payments to a reserve fund that will be used for capital projects like infrastructure improvements. Going forward, all future dividend payments from the utility will automatically go into this same fund to support the city's capital budget.

WITH RESPECT to Report 305-2026-Corporate Services-Finance, we recommend that the dividend proceeds received in 2026 from Thunder Bay Hydro Corporation (TBHC), totaling $383,014, be transferred to the Capital General Reserve Fund for allocation through the Capital Budget process

• future Regular, Performance, and Special Dividends received from TBHC be transferred to the Capital General Reserve Fund to support subsequent years' Capital Budgets
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

(commencing with the December 31, 2026 year-end process), for

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council hired MNP LLP to be the city's auditor for the next five years, starting with the 2026 year-end audit. The Mayor and Clerk can now sign the necessary agreements to finalize this appointment.

WITH RESPECT to Report 317-2026-Corporate Services-Finance, we recommend the appointment of the firm of MNP LLP as auditors for the City of Thunder Bay and its local boards for a five-year period effective January 1, 2026 (commencing with the December 31, 2026 year-end process)

• the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all required documentation relative to auditor appointment including any supplementary agreements
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Vacant Position - Resignation of Councillor Shelby Ch'ng

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council accepted Councillor Shelby Ch'ng's resignation, declaring their at-large seat vacant. The seat will remain empty rather than being filled through a by-election.

WITH RESPECT to Report 353-2026 (City Manager’s Office – Office of the City Clerk), we recommend that the At-large Council seat of Councillor Shelby Ch’ng be declared vacant pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 262 and 259(1) of the Municipal Act

• the seat be left vacant pursuant to Section 263 (5) 3 of the Municipal Act, 2001
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Northern Policing Costs

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council is asking the Ontario provincial government to review and reform how police funding works for northern cities like Thunder Bay, since the costs are putting pressure on local budgets. They want the province to work with northern municipalities to create a fair, long-term funding system for required policing services.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Chair – Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee, dated July 24, 2026, we recommend that the Government of Ontario commit to examining the cost pressures of policing for northern municipalities and undertake a comprehensive review and reform of the police funding model

• the Province work collaboratively with northern municipalities to develop a sustainable, long-term framework to fund mandated policing services
• a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of the Solicitor General, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and all Northern Ontario municipalities for their support
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Capital Funding Options - Infrastructure Deficit

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council directed city staff to find ways to increase funding for repairing and replacing aging infrastructure, with the goal of closing Thunder Bay's infrastructure funding gap. Staff will also create a Thunder Bay-specific price index framework and present recommendations to council by spring 2027.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Mark Bentz dated July 28, 2026, we recommend that Administration explore options that will increase the amount of funding being directed to capital renewal with the goal of expediting the elimination of the City’s infrastructure funding gap

• Administration develop a Municipal Price Index (MPI) framework specific to the City of Thunder Bay to be presented to City Council for consideration
• recommendations to City Council be provided through an update to the Long-Range Financial Plan in Q1 2027
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Information on Sale of Parkland

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council wants to be informed early and often before any parks are considered for sale. Administration must report to Council each time a park might be sold, and any necessary legal changes must be approved by Council before moving forward.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Trevor Giertuga dated July 21, 2026, we recommend that City Council direct Administration to inform Council as early in the process as is practical about any parkland under consideration for surplus and sale prior to negotiations taking place between the City and a private or public entity

• Administration report back to Council on this subject each time a park be considered for surplus and sale
• any necessary by-laws be sent to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Road Work - Mountain Road and 15th Side Road

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council directed city staff to study potential upgrades and costs for two roads: 15th Side Road and Mountain Road, both from their intersection to Highway 61. The staff must present their findings and recommendations by September 15, 2026.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Greg Johnsen dated July 20, 2026, we recommend that City Council direct Administration to prepare information on potential upgrades and costing for 15th Side Road from Mountain Road to Highway 61

• Administration also prepare information on potential upgrades and costing for Mountain Road from 15th Side Road to Highway 61
• this information be presented to Council by the September 15, 2026 meeting
• any necessary by-laws be sent to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Advocacy - Harmonization of Northern Road Construction Standards

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Council voted unanimously to send a letter to the Ontario Minister of Transportation expressing concerns about proposed changes to provincial road construction standards. The city is offering to work with the Province to develop flexible standards that work for Thunder Bay's specific conditions and climate.

WITH RESPECT to the Memorandum from Councillor Trevor Giertuga, Chair – Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee, dated July 23, 2026, we recommend that a letter from the City Manager be sent to the Minister of Transportation with copies to relevant members of MTO staff and other municipal advocacy bodies, outlining the City of Thunder Bay's concerns relating to the proposed harmonization of the Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications for municipal road construction

• the letter also express willingness to collaborate with the Province on a practical and flexible framework that reflects local conditions and specific needs of the municipality and ability to pursue appropriate innovative solutions
• any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino

Establishment of Special Committee of the Whole - Closed Session

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 12–0

Aiello

Foulds

Hamilton

Pasqualino

Johnsen

Etreni

Boshcoff

Oliver

Bentz

Zussino

Agarwal

Giertuga

Absent (1)

Ch'ng

Council scheduled a closed-door meeting for September 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss negotiation strategies and tactics for upcoming municipal dealings. This type of closed session is permitted under the Municipal Act when sensitive negotiation information needs to be kept confidential.

THAT a Special Committee of the Whole – Closed Session meeting be scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in order to receive information pursuant to the Municipal Act (Section 239 (2)) relative to: (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria, or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board. For (12): 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 Kristen Oliver, Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, and Councillor Michael Zussino Absent (1): Councillor Shelby Ch'ng