Committees and Boards

The Finance and Administration Committee focuses on financial stewardship and administrative functions of the municipality. This committee provides input, guidance and recommendations, and consults on fiscal planning, budgeting, financial reporting and the overall governance framework and administrative functions.

Members: Mayor Boshcoff, Councillor Bentz (Chair), Councillor Aiello (Vice-Chair), Councillor Zussino, Councillor Hamilton

The Quality of Life Committee focuses on spaces, programs, services, and policies that enhance the well-being, health, safety and cultural life of residents. The Committee provides input, guidance and recommendations, and consults on how the municipality is building an inclusive, accessible and livable community for all citizens.

Members: Mayor Boshcoff, Councillor Oliver (Chair), Councillor Ch'ng (Vice-Chair), Councillor Foulds, Councillor Johnsen

The Growth Committee focuses on sustainable development, economic prosperity, and long-term planning within the municipality. This committee provides input, guidance and recommendations on matters related to land use, infrastructure expansion, and economic development and consults on thoughtful and balanced community growth.

Members: Mayor Boshcoff, Councillor Giertuga (Chair), Councillor Etreni (Vice-Chair), Councillor Agarwal, Councillor Pasqualino

This committee advises Council on the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of its annual accessibility plan and other related issues. Read more about the Accessibility Advisory Committee. You can also discover more about accessibility in our City. 

The body was established in 2018 and incorporates the roles, responsibilities and authorities of the former Committee of Revision, the Property Standards Committee and the Taxi Licensing Appeals Committee.  The Appeals Tribunal will hear appeals of local improvements, assessments, property standards orders and appeals on taxi licensing. The Appeals Tribunal consists of five citizens appointed by City Council, to serve a 4 year term, and cannot be a member of the Council of the Municipality or an employee of the Municipality.

The Committee of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board of individuals who are residents of Thunder Bay and appointed by City Council. The Committee meets once a month to perform duties prescribed by the Planning Act.  The Committee adjudicates applications for Minor Variance and is the approval authority for applications including Consent to Sever and Validation of Title.

Experience in land use planning, real estate, the building trade, law and/or business is an asset.  Having access to an electronic device (home computer, laptop or tablet) to receive agendas and information sent electronically, as well as to participate virtually as needed, is a requirement. Hearings occur the last Thursday of the month at 2 pm.

Committee members are appointed for a four year term.  A per diem and training will be provided. 

A person appointed to the Committee of Adjustment can not be a member of the Council of the Municipality or an employee of the Municipality.

If you would like to apply for a minor variance, consent, or permission, visit the Planning applications page.

The purpose of the Committee is to advise on and oversee the implementation and monitoring of the CSWB plan for Thunder Bay. Community Safety and Well-Being plans support safe and healthy communities through a community-based approach to address root causes of complex social issues. Planning seeks to achieve a proactive, balanced and collaborative approach to community safety and well-being across four key areas: social development, prevention, risk intervention, and incident response.

This committee provides recommendations for the conservation of heritage buildings, sites and resources.

The Heritage Advisory Committee advises City Council on the protection of Thunder Bay's built, natural, and cultural heritage. The Committee educates and promotes awareness of this heritage, so that future planning and development takes into consideration the rich history of these assets.

Members also recommend By-laws to establish processes for the conservation of heritage resources, monitoring, reviewing and taking protective actions on a property-by-property or area-wide basis and undertaking promotion programs to advise City Council and the public of the value of heritage resources.

An interest in all aspects of the community with particular interest in public health is an essential qualification of Board Members. Persons should be prepared to carry out duties assigned by the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Responsible for operation of the Thunder Bay Airport.

Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc. (TBIAAI) is a non-profit corporation responsible for operation of the Thunder Bay Airport. The Members and Directors of TBIAAI are nominated by Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Thunder Bay and District Labour Council and TBIAAI Directors to serve terms of three years.

One (1) Nominee from among the names submitted by the City of Thunder Bay will be selected by the TBIAAI.

The Advisory Committee is to guide the delivery of housing initiatives and recommend additional strategies and actions to accelerate the development of a range of housing types and housing affordability levels to meet the City's housing needs.

The main objectives of the Committee are to accelerate desirable housing development consistent with the policies outlined within the City’s Official Plan and other approved strategies; achieve community support, collaboration and participation to share in and deliver housing goals; support and accelerate a range of housing types and affordability levels with particular focus on affordable housing; identify and provide recommendations to overcome the root causes constraining housing development and affordability; improve Thunder Bay’s financial position by achieving additional density and making the best use of existing infrastructure; investigate and recommend additional resources to implement recommendations. 

The Board is the governing body that oversees the Thunder Bay Police Service. The Board is made up of 5 members which are 3 members appointed by the City of Thunder Bay and 2 members are appointed by the Province of Ontario. The Board is charged with providing civilian oversight of the Thunder Bay Police Service and setting policies that direct the Service in providing policing to the communities of Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge. Board Members work together to fulfill the Board's mandate by providing civilian governance of the Police Service through participation at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, interaction with the Chief of Police, and its engagement of the community at large.

Visit the Thunder Bay Police Service Board website

Members should have experience related to the management of a business, to the operation of a port or to maritime trade. Members of this Committee must be at least 18 years of age, Canadian Citizens, and should have a general knowledge of, and accepted stature within the transportation industry or the business community. Members must have relevant knowledge and extensive experience related to the management of a business, to the operation of a port or to maritime trade. Members cannot be elected members or employees of the municipal, provincial or federal governments or users of the port. In order to qualify, applicants for membership on this Committee must comply with the Thunder Bay Port Authority Code of Conduct applicable to all Directors. It is essential to receive, review and understand the qualifying criteria, prior to acceptance of the application.

The Thunder Bay Public Library Board Members help guide the library's mission and growth. As a Board Member, you'll play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the library, ensuring it remains a vibrant, inclusive, and well-resourced hub for the entire community. 

We are especially interested in individuals with experience in fundraising, donor relations and sponsorships who can help strengthen the library’s financial sustainability. Your expertise will support initiatives like community campaigns, capital projects, and donor stewardship programs that enhance the library’s services and reach.  

Serving on the Board offers a meaningful opportunity to give back, use your skills for public good, and collaborate with a diverse group of community leaders and library champions. Whether you’re a seasoned development professional or bring grassroots fundraising experience, your contribution can make a real difference.

Lift+ is a specialized public transit service, operated by Thunder Bay Transit. The service is reserved for those persons who, due to a disability, are unable to utilize conventional transit services. The Thunder Bay Transit Lift+ Eligibility Appeal Panel is a three-member panel established to hear appeals from persons who have been determined to be ineligible or eligible with conditions to receive Lift+ service.

Community Representation and Health Care Community Representation

To be eligible for appointment to the Appeal Panel, you must be either a community representative living with a disability, a community representative having knowledge of accessible transportation or one of the following:

• Licensed Physician
• Licensed Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
• Certified Rehabilitation Specialist
• Chiropractor
• Physiotherapist
• Registered Occupational Therapist
• Licensed Physical Therapist
• Registered Nurse
• Certified Psychologist
• Social Worker

Candidates must have the ability to meet at least once a month, including during business hours. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated expertise and experience working with persons with disabilities and knowledge of accessible transportation needs and requirements.

The Fort William Business District BIA is a non-profit organization that represents all of the businesses located within its boundaries in the beautiful City of Thunder Bay, which is located at the head of Lake Superior in pristine Northwestern Ontario.

It is governed by a volunteer Board of Management and staffed by a part-time office personnel. The BIA is responsible not only for improving the image of a historical area and promoting businesses in the downtown Fort William area, but also for promoting events and lobbying for brown space redevelopment meant to attract new businesses and customers.

For more information please visit the Fort William Business District BIA website. 

The primary objectives of the Victoriaville Board of Management (the Board) are:

• The strategic vision and direction for the Victoriaville Centre (the Centre)
• Marketing, promotion and event planning
• Maximize public benefit of the Centre
• The safe, prudent, and cost effective operation of the Centre
• Maximize revenue for the Centre

 To qualify, the nominee should have the following qualifications:

• Business experience and knowledge
• Independence of judgment and no self-interest in the Centre
• Must be a resident and/or property owner in the City of Thunder Bay or directly operate a business in the City of Thunder Bay

The Waterfront District Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of more than 130 businesses located in Thunder Bay’s downtown north core. For more information contact thewaterfrontdistrict@tbaytel.net or visit the Waterfront District BIA website.