The Minutes

City of Thunder Bay

The Minutes, hosted by Jeff Walters, is a weekly exploration of Thunder Bay’s Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings.

Each episode features an overview of the latest meeting, plus engaging interviews with city staff and administration, providing detailed insights and perspectives beyond traditional news coverage.

“The Minutes” is presented by the City of Thunder Bay and is not politically affiliated with individual councillors.

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Encampments and farewell to Norm Gale - June 24, 2024

Encampments and farewell to Norm Gale - June 24, 2024

This week, Cynthia Olsen, the Director of Strategy and Engagement and Rilee Willianen, a Policy and Research Analyst will talk about encampments and how the City will implement guidelines on encampment locations. As well, newly-retired City Manager Norm Gale will give a farewell, and host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Hall on Monday night.

Episodes

Encampments and farewell to Norm Gale - June 24, 2024

Encampments and farewell to Norm Gale - June 24, 2024

This week, Cynthia Olsen, the Director of Strategy and Engagement and Rilee Willianen, a Policy and Research Analyst will talk about encampments and how the City will implement guidelines on encampment locations. As well, newly-retired City Manager Norm Gale will give a farewell, and host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Hall on Monday night.

Paid Parking Amendments - June 17, 2024

Paid Parking Amendments - June 17, 2024

Paid parking was back on the agenda this week as City Council heard a number of deputations in opposition to the recently increased rates and times. In this episode we chat with Supervisor of Municipal Parking Services, Jonathan Paske to get the details on the changes to the new policy, and fill-in host Stephanie Reid has a rudndown of what happened at Monday's Council meeting.

Outdoor Rinks - June 3, 2024

Outdoor Rinks - June 3, 2024

Ice is the hot topic this week at City Council, as we chat with Parks and Open Spaces Manager Cory Halvorsen about Outdoor Rinks. Host Jeff Walters also has a rundown of what happened at City Council this week.

Indoor Turf - May 27, 2024

Indoor Turf - May 27, 2024

City council voted to proceed with a design-build RFP for the proposed Indoor Turf Facility. Kayla Dixon, the director of engineering will discuss what this means for the proposed building. Host Jeff Walters will have a rundown of what happened at Thunder Bay City Council on Monday night.

Fleet Electrification - May 13, 2024

Fleet Electrification - May 13, 2024

This week, Kelvin Jankowski, the Manager of Capital Facilities Construction talks about changing Thunder Bay's fleet to zero-emission vehicles. Council heard a first report on the transition to a zero-emission fleet, starting with transit buses, pickup trucks, and other readily available vehicles. Host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Council this week.

Recycling Changes and Asset Management - May 6, 2024

Recycling Changes and Asset Management - May 6, 2024

On this week’s episode of The Minutes, Manager of Solid Waste and Recycling Services Jason Sherband updates us on the new curbside recycling program starting on July 1. Also, Amy Coomes stops in to talk about Thunder Bay’s Asset Management plan, and host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Council on Monday night.

Designated Encampments - April 22, 2024

Designated Encampments - April 22, 2024

The potential for designated encampments in Thunder Bay is the big topic at City Council this week. Cynthia Olsen, the Director of Strategy and Engagement will talk about the possibility of encampments. Host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Council this week.

Conservatory - April 15, 2024

Conservatory - April 15, 2024

Parks and Open Spaces Manager Cory Halvorsen drops by to talk about Phase Two of the Centennial Botanical Conservatory renovation. The two-year job will rebuild most of the aging building, which holds a number of tropical plants. Host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at Thunder Bay City Council on Monday night.

Emerald Ash Borer - April 8, 2024

Emerald Ash Borer - April 8, 2024

City Forester Dan Corbett talks about the Emerald Ash Borer strategy, and how ash trees are being replaced throughout Thunder Bay. Host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Council on Monday night.

Community Safety and Well Being - March 25, 2024

Community Safety and Well Being - March 25, 2024

Community Safety and Well-Being Specialist Lee-Ann Chevrette drops by to speak about the CSWB Plan, and how it impacts people across Thunder Bay. Host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at Thunder Bay City Council this week.

Integrity Commissioner - March 18, 2024

Integrity Commissioner - March 18, 2024

City Clerk Krista Power joins host Jeff Walters to talk about the Integrity Commissioner report, and explain exactly what this third-party does. Also, there will be a rundown of what happened on Monday night.

Housing Accelerator - March 11, 2024

Housing Accelerator - March 11, 2024

On this week's episode, Housing Accelerator Project Manager Summer Stevenson talks about how the City can spur development using federal funding, and host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at City Council on Monday night.

March 4, 2024 - Culture Plan

March 4, 2024 - Culture Plan

On this episode of The Minutes, Louisa Costanzo, Supervisor of Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events speaks about the City's Culture Plan, and how you can shape culture in Thunder Bay. Host Jeff Walters also has a review of what happened this week at City Council.

February 26, 2024 - Planning, Housing and Public Meetings

February 26, 2024 - Planning, Housing and Public Meetings

Planning Manager Devon McCloskey stops by to talk about planning, developing housing, and how public meetings all tie in together. Host Jeff Walters has a rundown of what happened at Thunder Bay City Council on Monday night.

February 12, 2024 - Budget Ratification

February 12, 2024 - Budget Ratification

City Treasurer Keri Greaves and Budget Manager Jesse Langen sit down to discuss the approval and ratification of the 2024 budget, and what it means for taxpayers. Host Jeff Walters also has a rundown of what happened at Thunder Bay City Council on Monday night.

January 29, 2024 - Handing Over The Budget

January 29, 2024 - Handing Over The Budget

This week’s episode of The Minutes features an interview with City Manager Norm Gale as Thunder Bay City Council starts its budget deliberations. Gale speaks about council’s ability to change the budget, and why so many changes kicked off this year’s budget meetings

January 23, 2024 - 2024 Budget Overview

January 23, 2024 - 2024 Budget Overview

This special edition of The Minutes focuses on the 2024 municipal budget. City Treasurer Keri Greaves joins host Jeff Walters to talk about how the City budget is assembled.

January 22, 2024 - Parking Authority Financial Plan

January 22, 2024 - Parking Authority Financial Plan

The Minutes highlights the January 22, 2024 Thunder Bay City Council meeting. It also features an interview with Jonathan Paske, Supervisor - Parking Authority with an overview of the Parking Authority Financial Plan. The plan includes changes to how much you pay to park, and where you pay to park.

Inaugural Episode - January 10, 2024

Inaugural Episode - January 10, 2024

The inaugural episode of The Minutes highlights the January 8, 2024 Thunder Bay City Council meeting. It also features an interview with City Manager Norm Gale, who talks about his retirement announcement, and Director of Engineering Kayla Dixon, who talks about red light cameras, and traffic light synchronization.