Council Structure

Thunder Bay's 13-member council: 1 mayor, 5 at-large, and 7 ward representatives.

$467,000 → $500,000

Total Annual

~1.8%/yr avg

$95,000 -> $100,941

Mayor

plus expenses, benefits

$31,000 -> $33,183

Councillors (12)

plus expenses, benefits

Members

Mayor

Ken Boshcoff 5th term Ken Boshcoff Stepping down Mayor

Lakehead University economics graduate with a Master's in Environmental Studies from York University. Served as councillor (1979), mayor (1997–2003), and federal MP for Thunder Bay–Rainy River (2004–2008) before returning as mayor in 2022. Instrumental in establishing the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and is the only mayor to have served as president of all three major Ontario municipal associations.

110 for · 15 against across recorded votes · 3% dissent

At-Large Elected citywide

Trevor Giertuga 6th term Trevor Giertuga

Third-generation Thunder Bay resident first elected in 2000, making him the longest continuously serving councillor. Works as Deputy Superintendent of Programs at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and previously owned a small business in McIntyre Ward. Known for constituent accessibility and focus on economic development, youth employment, and public safety.

102 for · 18 against across recorded votes · 6% dissent

Mark Bentz 5th term Mark Bentz Budget Chair

Holds degrees in Physics and Education; currently a professor at Confederation College's School of Aviation, Engineering Technology and Trades. Chaired the Waterfront Development Committee that helped attract over $100 million in investment to Prince Arthur's Landing. Chairs Administrative Services overseeing the city's annual budget process.

111 for · 24 against across recorded votes · 5% dissent

Shelby Ch'ng 3rd term Shelby Ch'ng Stepping down

Honours Political Science graduate from Lakehead University who owned Unveiled Bridal in Thunder Bay's South Core for nearly a decade. Won the 2019 Wheels of Change Community Champion of the Year award for active transportation advocacy. Carries one of the largest committee portfolios on council, including Vice-Chair of Intergovernmental Affairs.

117 for · 22 against across recorded votes · 2% dissent

Kasey Etreni 1st term Kasey Etreni

Retired Charge Radiation Therapist from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with a B.Sc. (Honours) from Western Michigan University. Served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. Sits on boards for the Thunder Bay Police Service, Age Friendly Thunder Bay, and the District Health Unit.

107 for · 20 against across recorded votes · 2% dissent

Rajni Agarwal 1st term Rajni Agarwal

University of Toronto science graduate and licensed Ontario real estate broker since 1991. Developer behind Terra Vista Condominiums, Thunder Bay's largest condominium development. Business experience spans real estate, land development, property management, and international education.

114 for · 24 against across recorded votes · 5% dissent

Ward Elected by geographic area

Andrew Foulds 5th term Andrew Foulds Current River

Honours B.Sc. from University of Toronto and B.Ed. from Queen's University; teaches Biology at Westgate Collegiate. Championed the Boulevard Lake dam rehabilitation for over 13 years, helping secure $13.2 million in federal funding.

108 for · 23 against across recorded votes · 3% dissent

Albert Aiello 2nd term Albert Aiello McIntyre

Spent 29 years with the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay, serving as Executive Director since 2001. Created the city's first Community Hub and is a graduate of the inaugural Leadership Thunder Bay program. Advocates for practical infrastructure improvements including designated truck routes.

117 for · 23 against across recorded votes · 5% dissent

Brian Hamilton 2nd term Brian Hamilton McKellar

Long-time small business owner in Thunder Bay's downtown core with over 20 years of experience in economic development. Past president of the Bay and Algoma Business District who helped establish Thunder Bay's first Buskers Festival. Serves on the District Social Services Administration Board advocating for the region's most vulnerable citizens.

111 for · 18 against across recorded votes · 3% dissent

Kristen Oliver 2nd term Kristen Oliver Stepping down Westfort

Confederation College graduate serving as Senior Advisor for Municipal and Stakeholder Engagement at Enbridge Gas Ontario. Previously spent seven years as Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, lobbying provincial and federal governments. Chairs the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and serves as a Board of Governor at Confederation College.

110 for · 18 against across recorded votes · 2% dissent

Greg Johnsen 1st term Greg Johnsen Neebing

Holds a Master of Arts in History and teaches law, philosophy, and history at St. Patrick High School. Serves on the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Museum. Championed a bylaw requiring all councillors to host annual public ward meetings, taking effect in 2027.

111 for · 23 against across recorded votes · 4% dissent

Dominic Pasqualino 1st term Dominic Pasqualino Northwood

Spent 35 years at the Can Car/Bombardier/Alstom rail plant and served 11 years as President of Unifor Local 1075. Met with over 108 federal representatives to lobby for transit manufacturing contracts that preserved local jobs. Advocates on council for infrastructure improvements and community services in Northwood.

111 for · 24 against across recorded votes · 1% dissent

Michael Zussino 1st term Michael Zussino Red River

Lifelong Red River resident with a B.Sc. and B.Ed. from Lakehead University. 25-year educator with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Advocates for community health and recreation infrastructure, including supporting the city's $42-million indoor turf sports facility.

111 for · 25 against across recorded votes · 5% dissent

Recorded Votes

Boshcoff, KenGiertuga, TrevorBentz, MarkCh'ng, ShelbyEtreni, KaseyAgarwal, RajniFoulds, AndrewAiello, AlbertHamilton, BrianOliver, KristenJohnsen, GregPasqualino, DominicZussino, Michael
Ken BoshcoffTrevor GiertugaMark BentzShelby Ch'ngKasey EtreniRajni AgarwalAndrew FouldsAlbert AielloBrian HamiltonKristen OliverGreg JohnsenDominic PasqualinoMichael Zussino
Councillor voting record on recorded votes
Boshcoff, KenGiertuga, TrevorBentz, MarkCh'ng, ShelbyEtreni, KaseyAgarwal, RajniFoulds, AndrewAiello, AlbertHamilton, BrianOliver, KristenJohnsen, GregPasqualino, DominicZussino, Michael
Ken BoshcoffTrevor GiertugaMark BentzShelby Ch'ngKasey EtreniRajni AgarwalAndrew FouldsAlbert AielloBrian HamiltonKristen OliverGreg JohnsenDominic PasqualinoMichael Zussino
March 17, 2026
Carried Art Gallery construction deadline extended to August 2026ForNot recordedNot recordedForForForNot recordedForForForForForAgainst
March 3, 2026
Carried Alcohol permitted at Waverley Park and Tbaytel MultiplexForNot recordedForForForForForForForNot recordedForForFor
Lost Transit schedule changes rejectedForNot recordedAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstForForNot recordedAgainstAgainstAgainst
Lost Ball python pet exemption rejectedAgainstNot recordedAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstForNot recordedForAgainstForNot recorded
February 17, 2026
Carried Home Energy Improvement Loan ProgramForForForForNot recordedForForForForForForForFor
Carried TBNewsHomelessness declared humanitarian crisisForForForForNot recordedForForNot recordedNot recordedForForForFor
Carried TBNewsEncampment sites criteria approvedForForForForNot recordedForForForForForForForFor
February 3, 2026
Lost Police budget reduction request - FAILEDForForForAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstFor
Carried Fire Rescue and parking enforcement by-laws updatedForForForNot recordedNot recordedForForForForForForForFor
January 13, 2026
Carried Community funding program caps and governance changesForForForForForForForNot recordedForNot recordedForForFor
Carried 144 Fanshaw Street declared surplus for developmentForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried 300 Tokio Street property declared surplusForForForForForAgainstForForForForForForFor
Carried Tupper & Camelot Streets properties declared surplusForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried 791 Arundel Street property declared surplusForForForForForAgainstForForForForForForFor
Carried Six bylaws approved: zoning, taxes, fire chief, enforcementForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
December 2, 2025
Carried Ambulance base lease with Terrace BayForForForForForNot recordedForForForForForForFor
Carried SNEMS Paramedics Union Settlement ApprovedForForForForForNot recordedForForForForForForFor
Lost Mandatory annual ward meetings proposal rejectedForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstFor
Carried TBNewsOpposition to Conservation Authority ConsolidationForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried Smart Growth Action Plan adopted with waterfront developm...Not recordedForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried TBNewsSmart Growth Action Plan adoptedForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried Tbaytel Multiplex to be City-runForNot recordedAgainstForForForForForForForForForFor
Lost Grant vs. loan funding split ($130K) — FAILEDForForAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstForAgainstForAgainstForAgainst
November 4, 2025
Carried 869 Golf Links Road rezoning to commercialForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried Federal immigration support for Thunder BayForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried Art Gallery funding: $2.5M approved for new buildingForAgainstForForForForForAgainstForForAgainstAgainstAgainst
Carried Zoning changes at 869 Golf Links RoadForForForNot recordedNot recordedForForForForForForForFor
October 21, 2025
Carried Solid waste & recycling infrastructure directionForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Carried Thunder Bay Community Auditorium lease adjustmentForForForForForForForForForForForForFor
Lost TBNewsTemporary shelter village removed from housing plan - REJ...AgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainst
Lost TBNewsTemporary shelter village removed from housing plan (failed)AgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstNot recordedAgainst
October 7, 2025
Carried Weekday ice booking consolidation at arenasNot recordedForForForForForForForForForForForFor
September 16, 2025
Carried TBNewsShelter village site decision reversedForForAgainstAgainstAgainstForForForForAgainstNot recordedForFor
September 2, 2025
Tie TBNewsTent encampment criteria — motion failed on tie voteNot recordedAgainstAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstForForForAgainstAgainst
Tie Shelter village debate timeline - motion tiedNot recordedForAgainstForAgainstAgainstForAgainstForForAgainstAgainstFor
July 21, 2025
Lost TBNewsTemporary shelter village proposal defeatedAgainstAgainstAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstForForForAgainstAgainst
Lost Temporary village operations update rejectedAgainstAgainstAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstForForForAgainstAgainst
Carried Shelter village options review requestedForAgainstForForForForAgainstForAgainstForAgainstForFor
June 23, 2025
Lost Truck route designation rejectedForAgainstForAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainst
Lost Truck route safety upgrades — FAILEDAgainstNot recordedAgainstForAgainstAgainstNot recordedForNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recorded
Carried TBNewsTemporary shelter village approved at Kam River Heritage ...ForForForForForForForForForForForForAgainst
April 28, 2025
Lost Library facilities plan deferral vote - DEFEATEDAgainstForAgainstForAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstFor
April 14, 2025
Lost TBNewsCouncil composition restructuring proposal defeatedForForForAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
Lost Council composition restructuring proposal rejectedForForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
October 28, 2024
Carried TBNewsTemporary village and human rights action plan approvedAgainstAgainstForForForForForForForForForForFor
Lost Human Rights Community Action Plan - REJECTEDAgainstAgainstAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recorded
September 9, 2024
Carried TBNewsNuclear waste transport concernsForForForNot recordedForForForForForForForForFor
June 24, 2024
Lost Surplus properties disposal defeated (Holly, Thistle, Tho...ForAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstNot recordedAgainstForAgainstForAgainstAgainst
June 3, 2024
Lost Indoor turf facility proposal defeatedForAgainstForAgainstAgainstForAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
Carried Infrastructure report decision delayed to June 24ForForAgainstForForAgainstForAgainstForForForForFor
March 25, 2024
Tie Hillcourt Estates land sale - motion defeated by tie voteForForForAgainstForForAgainstForNot recordedAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
Tie Hillcourt Estates land sale delayed pending rule clarific...ForForForAgainstForForAgainstForNot recordedAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
Tie Hillcourt Estates land sale decision delayedAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstAgainstForAgainstNot recordedForForForFor
Lost Hillcourt Estates land sale deferral rejectedAgainstNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedAgainstNot recordedAgainstNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recorded
Carried City land sale deadline pushed to 2026ForForForForForForForForNot recordedForAgainstForFor
November 27, 2023
Carried Indoor sports facility cost reduction optionsForAgainstForForForForAgainstAgainstAgainstForAgainstForAgainst
Lost Multi-use Sports Facility $30M cost cap - DEFEATEDForAgainstForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
Carried $38M facility project budget approved with conditionsAgainstForAgainstForForForForAgainstAgainstForForForFor
Lost Indoor sports facility financing decision delayedForAgainstForAgainstAgainstForAgainstForForAgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst
Carried TBNewsMulti-use indoor sports facility - $38M project approvedAgainstForAgainstForForForForAgainstAgainstForForNot recordedNot recorded
Tie Integrity Commissioner response timeline reducedForForForAgainstAgainstNot recordedAgainstForAgainstAgainstForAgainstFor
Art Gallery construction deadline extended to August 2026
Carried 9 For · 1 Against
Alcohol permitted at Waverley Park and Tbaytel Multiplex
Carried 11 For · 0 Against
Transit schedule changes rejected
Lost 4 For · 7 Against
Ball python pet exemption rejected
Lost 4 For · 6 Against
Home Energy Improvement Loan Program
Carried 12 For · 0 Against
Homelessness declared humanitarian crisis
Carried TBNews 10 For · 0 Against
Encampment sites criteria approved
Carried TBNews 12 For · 0 Against
Police budget reduction request - FAILED
Lost 6 For · 7 Against
Fire Rescue and parking enforcement by-laws updated
Carried 11 For · 0 Against
Community funding program caps and governance changes
Carried 11 For · 0 Against
144 Fanshaw Street declared surplus for development
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
300 Tokio Street property declared surplus
Carried 12 For · 1 Against
Tupper & Camelot Streets properties declared surplus
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
791 Arundel Street property declared surplus
Carried 12 For · 1 Against
Six bylaws approved: zoning, taxes, fire chief, enforcement
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
Ambulance base lease with Terrace Bay
Carried 12 For · 0 Against
SNEMS Paramedics Union Settlement Approved
Carried 12 For · 0 Against
Mandatory annual ward meetings proposal rejected
Lost 5 For · 8 Against
Opposition to Conservation Authority Consolidation
Carried TBNews 13 For · 0 Against
Smart Growth Action Plan adopted with waterfront developm...
Carried 12 For · 0 Against
Smart Growth Action Plan adopted
Carried TBNews 13 For · 0 Against
Tbaytel Multiplex to be City-run
Carried 11 For · 1 Against
Grant vs. loan funding split ($130K) — FAILED
Lost 6 For · 7 Against
869 Golf Links Road rezoning to commercial
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
Federal immigration support for Thunder Bay
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
Art Gallery funding: $2.5M approved for new building
Carried 8 For · 5 Against
Zoning changes at 869 Golf Links Road
Carried 11 For · 0 Against
Solid waste & recycling infrastructure direction
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium lease adjustment
Carried 13 For · 0 Against
Temporary shelter village removed from housing plan - REJ...
Lost TBNews 3 For · 10 Against
Temporary shelter village removed from housing plan (failed)
Lost TBNews 2 For · 10 Against
Weekday ice booking consolidation at arenas
Carried 12 For · 0 Against
Shelter village site decision reversed
Carried TBNews 8 For · 4 Against
Tent encampment criteria — motion failed on tie vote
Tie TBNews 6 For · 6 Against
Shelter village debate timeline - motion tied
Tie 6 For · 6 Against
Temporary shelter village proposal defeated
Lost TBNews 6 For · 7 Against
Temporary village operations update rejected
Lost 6 For · 7 Against
Shelter village options review requested
Carried 9 For · 4 Against
Truck route designation rejected
Lost 4 For · 9 Against
Truck route safety upgrades — FAILED
Lost 2 For · 4 Against
Temporary shelter village approved at Kam River Heritage ...
Carried TBNews 12 For · 1 Against
Library facilities plan deferral vote - DEFEATED
Lost 4 For · 9 Against
Council composition restructuring proposal defeated
Lost TBNews 6 For · 7 Against
Council composition restructuring proposal rejected
Lost 2 For · 11 Against
Temporary village and human rights action plan approved
Carried TBNews 11 For · 2 Against
Human Rights Community Action Plan - REJECTED
Lost 3 For · 5 Against
Nuclear waste transport concerns
Carried TBNews 12 For · 0 Against
Surplus properties disposal defeated (Holly, Thistle, Tho...
Lost 4 For · 8 Against
Indoor turf facility proposal defeated
Lost 4 For · 9 Against
Infrastructure report decision delayed to June 24
Carried 10 For · 3 Against
Hillcourt Estates land sale - motion defeated by tie vote
Tie 6 For · 6 Against
Hillcourt Estates land sale delayed pending rule clarific...
Tie 6 For · 6 Against
Hillcourt Estates land sale decision delayed
Tie 6 For · 6 Against
Hillcourt Estates land sale deferral rejected
Lost 0 For · 3 Against
City land sale deadline pushed to 2026
Carried 11 For · 1 Against
Indoor sports facility cost reduction options
Carried 7 For · 6 Against
Multi-use Sports Facility $30M cost cap - DEFEATED
Lost 2 For · 11 Against
$38M facility project budget approved with conditions
Carried 9 For · 4 Against
Indoor sports facility financing decision delayed
Lost 5 For · 8 Against
Multi-use indoor sports facility - $38M project approved
Carried TBNews 7 For · 4 Against
Integrity Commissioner response timeline reduced
Tie 6 For · 6 Against
Ward Map Council: 1 mayor · 5 at-large · 7 ward
Layers