2026 Election Candidate Profiles

807-630-1098
vagasbaxter@gmail.com

807-624-8234
info@moeformayor.ca

807-633-1697
peter@peterdiedrich4mayor.com

807-630-2889
tgiertuga@hotmail.com 

807-708-1953
shanejudge01@gmail.com 

807-627-6511
volkerkromm@gmail.com 

 807-622-5666
undergroundgym@tbaytel.net

 807-629-5171
rubertoformayor@gmail.com

My name is Aldo Ruberto. I am the son of immigrant parents, Salvatore (Sam) and Caterina (Nina) Ruberto. I am married to Lori Ruberto, a former teacher and principal. Lori and I have two children. Casey, (Exercise Physiologist and kinesiologist), Jessi, (Lawyer.) We also have two lovely grandchildren.

I have been involved in municipal politics for the past 16 years, serving on many boards and committees. I remain active presently serving on the Southcore Business Association (BIA) as Chair.
Business experience includes, cofounder of Shear Heaven, (personal service), and Global Experience (retail, commercial ). Property development and management, for 40+ years.

I want Thunder Bay to prosper and succeed in every way possible. I believe that both my political and work experience give me the tools and skills to unite the community. A strategic, collaborative approach will help us achieve that goal. I live and love Thunder Bay.

rubertoformayor@gmail.com if you have any questions, volunteer, or care to donate? You can also call 807 629 5171 Carpe Diem Election Information — Aldo Ruberto 

 807-344-3746
wolfgang@tbaytel.net

I'm Wolfgang Schoor, and I'm seeking to serve you as the Mayor of Thunder Bay, a city I called home for over 30 years.

I spent my lifetime focusing on hands-on construction work and deep academic study, and I believe that this combination is exactly what our city council needs right now. I studied at the University of Waterloo, the University of Guelph, Lakehead University, and Confederation College,and eight years in Engineering and Architectural Design Construction Technology. My studies span Applied Ergonomics within the Building Sciences, Domestic Ergonomics, Environmental and Regional Planning, Canadian History including Indigenous Studies, Intellectual Property Law, and Social Engineering within the Applied Sciences. I'm also a certified master carpenter and joiner in both Germany and Canada, and a certified construction superintendent, supervisor, project manager, along with a business management diploma.

I watched Thunder Bay slide from a vibrant, safe, and prosperous community into one struggling with an unacceptably high crime rate, rising homelessness, a shortage of affordable housing, high unemployment, and public safety concerns that leave too many residents feeling afraid in their own neighborhoods.

I want to help bring well-planned organizational structure back to our city, restore public health, safety, and trust, help to rebuild infrastructure, bring businesses back, and improve safe public transportation for everyone. 

 807-867-0786
dougvincentformayor2026@gmail.com

807-626-3842
ragarwal@avistarealty.ca 

807-474-6412
mbentz@tbaytel.net 

Caparatlarge@gmail.com 

807-867-0468
gary4tbay@gmail.com 

807-630-1784
jaecolquhoun@outlook.com 

Thunder Bay is a wonderful city that offers a balanced lifestyle where people can build meaningful lives while enjoying work, recreation, and our incredible natural spaces—and it’s worth stepping up for.

Since the pandemic, I’ve seen a growing sense of anger, frustration, and helplessness in our community. Rising costs of living, homelessness, mental health and addictions, concerns about safety, and the feeling that our voices are not being heard, have affected how some people experience our city. We see it in businesses feeling unsafe to leave their doors unlocked, residents feeling less secure in our greenspaces, and people struggling to find affordable housing and support.

Change is possible, but Thunder Bay needs a fresh approach—one grounded in advocacy, meaningful communication, fiscal responsibility, true partnerships with municipal, provincial, and federal governments, and with Indigenous partners. We need to sit at the same table, listen, respect our diverse perspectives, look at the data together, and make informed, sustainable decisions.

I bring fresh ideas and believe our future depends on working together: making our community safer, creating affordable housing, strengthening our economy, supporting farmers and local businesses, improving our climate impact, encouraging innovation and industry, and creating opportunities that attract and inspire tradespeople, professionals, and young people to stay.

Thunder Bay is a great city — let's make it flourish together! 

807-633-7033
p2pat@hotmail.com 

hkdtbay2026@gmail.com 

807-474-7050
sdanylko@yahoo.ca 

807-630-8198
etreni@hotmail.com 

FB: Kasey Taylor Etreni

I’m not a career politician. I’m a healthcare worker who sits in a political seat.

After more than 35 years in healthcare, I understand that things are not always as simple as they look from the outside. Council decisions are complex and have real impacts on people’s lives. My background has taught me to make evidence-based decisions, understand the information, ask questions, follow good process and listen to the people affected by our decisions.

Over the past four years, I have worked hard to understand the issues facing us and find solutions. I don’t just show up to vote at City Hall. I work with community organizations, neighbouring municipalities, Indigenous partners and provincial and federal governments to advocate for Thunder Bay and bring opportunities and resources back to our community.

Relationship building is one of my strengths. I believe we accomplish more when we work together - with the people of Thunder Bay, our Indigenous partners, neighbouring communities and other levels of government.

I have worked on housing, community safety, policing, seniors, health, economic development, advocacy and the financial pressures facing our city.

There is still work to do, and I’m ready to keep doing it.

Re-Elect Kasey for Community 

807-709-2803
goodeforcouncil@gmail.com 

807-626-3421
dinomenei@yahoo.com 

Born and raised in Thunder Bay with 3 brothers and 4 sisters i have seen this city grow in good, sad and bad ways but always turned out good.

I know i would be a great candidate when elected bringing 50 years of experience to the table in all departments of construction, demolition, running a business, organizing tasks, helping other business, organizations grow and teaching our younger generation work safety and productively and always keeping costs in mind.

My concerns are public safety, homelessness, future development for our community along with soft and hard infrastructure from past present or future.

I work very well with others, great problem solver and those who know me trust that i always make it work and get it done.

I want to be your voice soft or loud to get what tax payers want and deserve.
i like to speak my mind but not till i have all the facts.

A company is only as good as its employees and i am hoping to be on a great team that delivers results.

Let me be your voice. 

807-631-3259
Nichols@rnccoffee.ca

807-624-8745
trevisan@tbaytel.net

807-628-4305
pengyou4you@gmail.com 

Moved to Thunder Bay (adopted home) in 1990 from Dalian (Port Arthur), China
Bachelors & Masters of Education, Beijing Normal University
Local Small Business Owner:

• Peng You Tai Chi Academy
• Tai Chi Restaurant and Twin Dragons Restaurant
• Tai Chi Chef (appeared on Dragons’ Den)
• Import/Export Facilitator
• Oriental Tour Leader

Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2001
2002 Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Award
2002 & 2023 City of Thunder Bay Good Citizen Award
Internationally Recognized Tai Chi Master
Tai Chi Instructor at 55 Plus Centre from 1990 to 2018
Liaison for International Forum on Taiji Quan 2006, held in Thunder Bay
Instrumental in the Development of the Tai Chi Park on our Waterfront
Represented Thunder Bay at the 2019 and 2020 International Winter City’s Mayors Symposium in Harbin, China
President of the Peng You Taijiquan Association
Brought the 2022 Canadian National Martial Arts Championships and 2024 World Tai Chi Championships (later withdrawn) to Thunder Bay
2022 City of Thunder Bay Mayoral Candidate
Thunder Bay Martial Arts Council President
Previous Member of Sister Cities Advisory Committee - facilitated the donation of three historic Tai Chi statues by Jiaozuo, China for the Tai Chi Park
City of Thunder Bay Councillor at Large, 2018-2022 (won with the highest number of votes of all candidates)

Peng is result driven, always implementing his Tai Chi philosophy, hard work, action and determination. 

 andrewfouldsforcurrentriver@hotmail.com

506-688-1197

2112kuziora@gmail.com 

Facebook: DrStephane Kuziora 

Growing up in Thunder Bay I remember when you would struggle to see even a single homeless person. After returning home from my studies in Norway, I found myself in a deep melancholy as I commuted the city. Not only are those struggling with poverty distressed but even those who are financially secure have become fearful of walking the streets we once enjoy freely.

I believe Thunder Bay has the potential not only to recover, but to exceed what it once was. Addressing homelessness is just the beginning, and it will require more than good intentions, simple explanations, or vanity projects. It will require examining evidence, questioning our existing systems, and forward looking planning. Reducing homelessness should therefore not be about simply spending more but finding better ways to use what we already have while investing where results genuinely occur.

My approach to governance will seek to balance the real costs borne by us with the needs and desires we all share. Time and public resources are limited and the costs of ineffective systems ultimately fall on everyone through municipal taxes, including the very people we seek to help.

Within this context I have tried to keep my specific proposals for the Current-River Ward modest. I hope they will deliver meaningful improvements to the ward while being cost effective. I have also received feedback from residents on many specific Current-River issues. I look forward to working with residents to address them. 

807-708-7065
Info@corybagdon.ca   

 807-473-7554
dino@tbaytel.net

 807-633-3577
michael.giardetti@tbaytel.net

 807-286-0045
john@redlionsmokehouse.ca

 807-631-6071
jamiescrimgertbay@gmail.com

807-628-6378
Info@albertaiello.com  

807-632-1566
brianphillips2007@icloud.com

Life Time Resident of Thunder Bay

-Ward Focused on all current issues
-Resolving issues in a quick and efficient manner
-Continue to work hard on keeping a fair and an even distribution of funds for each ward
-Listening to the residents in the ward and resolving their concerns
-Find resolutions to outstanding issues
-Review the current Roads issues and concerns
-Work with City Administration to ensure fair resolutions for the ward
-Work together as a positive Team with the rest of the City Council members to resolve City wide issues
-Continue positive action for the Ward and the City into the future
-Work on attracting new businesses to the City as a Team for continued growth and work with local businesses to help them be more successful
-Have an open and transparent attitude for the ward and the City residents.
-Make decisions that have a positive impact on the ward and City
-Work as a Team to keep improving Thunder Bay and show what it has to offer for the rest of the country
- work with property owners and developers to utilize what’s available for them and trying to keep as much Green space available for the ward and the City.
-Work with all City departments to ensure positive impacts for the Ward and the City as a whole.
- A continuous positive effort from myself on all levels to give back to the Ward and City
- Thunder Bay is my Home and always will be !
-Thank you to the residents of the McIntyre Ward and to the rest of Thunder Bay 

 416-721-4119
marco@lprm.ca

My name is Marco Cupelli, and I am proud to be running for City Councillor in McKellar Ward. The community where I grew up and watched it change. As an Italian-Canadian, I was raised to value hard work, responsibility, and contributing to the place I call home.

I spent eight years in Toronto, earning a Specialized Honours in Theatre from York University, working in theatre and film as a set designer. Set design taught me how changing a space can influence people and create new possibilities. In 2019, I brought that thinking home and founded Legacy Property & Rental Management.

I have improved housing, supported tenants and property owners, and worked with the City’s engineering, planning, permitting, zoning, water, roads, parks, and housing departments. I understand where systems work, and where delays, disconnected departments, and administrative barriers prevent ideas from becoming results. Now I want to apply that experience to McKellar Ward.

I want a safer, active and economically vibrant South Core; stronger partnerships among the City, residents, landlords, businesses, and developers; and more housing created by reusing existing buildings and infrastructure. I am running to bring practical leadership, higher standards, and greater accountability to City Hall. Residents deserve responsive service and value for their tax dollars.

McKellar needs a councillor who understands the ward, knows how to move projects forward, and is prepared to do the hard work. 

807-473-6056
tony@tonyforMcKellar.ca

 brianhamilton2551@gmail.com

 807-357-9845

DLMorettin.McKellar@gmail.com 

Website: www.morettin.ca

Hi, I'm Donnalee Morettin, and I am running for City Council to represent you in the McKellar Ward. I have lived in McKellar ward for the past 57 years. I went to school at McKellar Park School, Isabella School and FWCI and Lakehead University.

I am a proud parent of two daughters who attended Ogden School. My goal is simple: I want to make our neighbourhood a safer, stronger and more welcoming place for everyone!

I bring a lot of real-world experience to the table and I know how to get things done:
- 35 years in hospitality: working in this industry taught me how to listen to people, manage budgets, and handle stressful situations with a smile.
- 5 years as Waterfront District BIA Coordinator: I worked closely with our local business owners and City Administration to help revitalize our downtown area and bring people together.
- Years of local volunteering: Giving back to our community through different groups has always been a huge part of my life.

I am running because I see the challenges our neighbourhood is facing, and I know we can do better in the future. We need fresh energy at City Hall to restore our local issues, protect our services and make sure your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely.

Most importantly, I want to listen to you. I want to bridge the gaps on our City Council and make sure the voices of McKellar residents are actually heard. Let's work together to build a safer, more open community that we can all be proud of. 

 807-251-4455
agagne058@gmail.com

@André Gagné for Northwood 2026 

I work in business development for my family’s companies and hold a BA in Economics from Lakehead University. Over the past several years, I have also closely followed City budgets, planning decisions and Council processes, including making deputations on issues I care about.

I am running because I believe Thunder Bay needs a municipal government refocused on its core responsibilities: maintaining the infrastructure we already own, governing the public spaces we are responsible for, and building the economic capacity to do both well.

Growth is essential to that.

Without sufficient growth, Council is increasingly forced to choose among four difficult options: higher taxes, reduced services, deferred maintenance, or further deterioration. More homes, businesses and industrial activity expand the economic activity and tax base supporting the infrastructure and services residents already rely on.

At the same time, growth cannot substitute for clear priorities. Municipal resources should be concentrated where the City has the clearest responsibility, while resisting unnecessary expansion of municipal scope and recognizing that residents cannot simply absorb every new cost.

That includes maintaining our roads and infrastructure and establishing clear, lawful rules that preserve shared access to parks, sidewalks and other public spaces.

I want to bring experience, economic discipline and a clear focus on municipal responsibilities to Council. 

 807-252-8575
info@syedkabir.ca

 807-577-3306 
info@johnongaro.ca

807-356-5488 

 807-632-3229
marleyharris2018@gmail.com

I have spent decades doing my small part helping our community in every way.
25 years with the Hospital Foundation
25 years with the United Way Board
25 Years Fort William Rotary
25 years President and Board Member Community Auditorium
13 years Chair of the Lakehead School Board Foundation
10 Years and Chair of the Hospital Research Board
10 years president of the Arts Council

These positions working with numerous teams and facilitating impact solutions has taught me all i need to know about how working together and building a stronger Thunder Bay has become a lifestyle i wish to continue as a council member representing my neighbors and families in Westfort.

My position as publisher of the Chronicle Journal managing a 30 million dollar budget and and hundreds of employees allowed me to grow my expertise in human resource, financial management, sales strategy, building relationships with national clients throughout the country, and increasing revenue so that we could continue to employ hundreds in the building, hundreds of contractors, and thousands of carriers that relied on my leadership for their jobs and and the ability to take care of their families.

My educational acronyms include BA,HBa,BSc,MA and Phd/Doctorate

I have continued to work in the community providing counseling on the street level, hospital settings and with my website groupvoice.ca.

My way of giving back to the less fortunate.

Westfort deserves strong leadership and i will provide just that !! 

 807-620-5634
votemargarit@gmail.com

 807-626-3680
johnbeals@tbaytel.net

 807-577-5230
gjohnsenintbay@gmail.com 

 807-631-2159

goatercj@gmail.com

807-683-5647
johanspu@shaw.ca

scotiamua@gmail.com

Why am I running for a Trustee with Lakehead Public Schools? Because I want to help strengthen the education that has shaped my heart, my life and, my family.

I attended Pine Street, École Gron Morgan, and PACI, and my children currently attend high school within the same board. I care deeply about what happens in schools and want to help create positive change that supports students, families, staff, and our community.

Education has also been a lifelong part of my family. My mum taught with Lakehead Public Schools for over 25 years. I watched her work long hours, move schools, and experience multiple strikes, yet she continued to love being a teacher. I want to help ensure today’s teachers and school staff feel supported, valued, and proud to come to work, so they can inspire and support students.

Over the past eight years, I have gained valuable leadership and governance experience through executive roles with the Fort William BIA and Thunder Pride. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, advocacy, accountability, and community engagement.

As a Trustee, I hope to bring that experience to Lakehead Public Schools, listen, and work collaboratively to make meaningful improvements. I am particularly interested in contributing to committees such as the Equity and Inclusive Education Advisory Committee and the Special Education Advisory Committee.

My goal is to advocate for strong, inclusive schools where every student and staff member can thrive. 

lex.macarthur.public@gmail.com

dmassaro2010@hotmail.com

 ianscottmorgan@gmail.com

 807-357-9155

finnboytbay@outlook.com

I have had the honour to serve as a trustee with Lakehead District School Board since 2006 Serving on many of the committees and the provincial body Ontario Public School Boards Association I was chair of School Council Chairs prior to getting elected I am a community volunteer Age Friendly Thunder Bay United Way of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Ringette when my children played the sport Special Education Funding there is never enough money for all the needs of the students in our system I continue to lobby the government to increase funding I care and want to see the best possible education for every student to succeed at Lakehead Public Schools Please vote for George Saarinen Trustee Lakehead District School Board 

trustee@rsitch.net

ttuchenhagen@gmail.com

leash@tbaytel.net

lbadanai@gmail.com

mbertoldo@outlook.com

 anthony@foglia.ca

leannefonso@hotmail.com

oliviakembel@gmail.com

 mwpearson76@gmail.com

champainplace@shaw.ca

 807-854-0189
a-m_gelineault@hotmail.com

adesbien@gmail.com

claudettegleeson@gmail.com

egrunerud@gmail.com

victoriarcmauro@gmail.com