The City of Thunder Bay’s representatives attended the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa from August 16 to 19. Discussions at the conference revolved around crime, housing, and infrastructure issues. City officials held meetings with seven provincial representatives, including ministers such as Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
A significant announcement made during the conference was the commitment of $1 billion in infrastructure funding by the provincial and federal governments to municipalities that do not impose development charges. Councillor Trevor Giertuga, who heads the city’s intergovernmental affairs committee, highlighted Thunder Bay’s unique position as the only municipality with a population exceeding 100,000 that does not have development charges. He expressed optimism about the substantial impact this funding could have on the community.
Councillor Kasey Etreni, a member of the intergovernmental affairs committee, mentioned that the exact amount of funding Thunder Bay would receive from the $1 billion allocation remains uncertain. She noted that inquiries have already been made regarding the city’s share of the funding.
Moreover, positive news emerged regarding the planned improvements to the section of the Trans-Canada Highway passing through Thunder Bay. This includes the replacement of six sets of traffic lights with interchanges. The Ministry of Transportation indicated progress on a $450 million project, with the contract for the design-build of 13 kilometers of the expressway expected to be awarded next month.
Discussions at the conference also covered the future of the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital property on Algoma Street North. Although the property is currently labeled as “under review” on Ontario’s surplus property site, the province assured the city of its first right of refusal should it opt to divest the property. Councillor Giertuga emphasized that the property is considered surplus and that the city, along with First Nations, will have the opportunity to present a proposal for its utilization.
The city officials also expressed readiness to collaborate with the province on infrastructure projects, including the Northwest Arterial project worth $33 million, to address transportation challenges in Thunder Bay.