Mayor Ken Boshcoff has issued an official declaration terminating the municipal emergency that began on April 23, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The decision to declare the emergency terminated, in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, was made in consultation with City Manager Norm Gale, members of the City’s Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet De Mille.

 “While COVID-19 remains a serious concern requiring ongoing efforts and vigilance, the City of Thunder Bay’s efforts have put us in a position where our emergency declaration can be terminated,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “I want to thank residents, city staff and members of the MECG for their cooperation, spirit and dedication over the past few years. With the goal of public safety in mind, we persevered through the pandemic together.”

 The decision to officially declare the emergency was made in April 2020 to ensure the continuity of operations and continue to deliver essential/critical services to the public while maintaining the health and safety of all residents.

 “I thank City staff for their tireless, adaptable and innovative efforts throughout this emergency period for continuing to deliver municipal services that residents count on,” said City Manager Norm Gale. “Although we have largely returned to normal operations, staff from across divisions who coordinated Thunder Bay’s pandemic response remain vigilant and ready to respond if needed.”

 Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille added that in 2020, COVID-19 was a new virus that we knew little about but it required an extraordinary response.

 “Although these past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, we are in a much better place. It’s important to remember that COVID-19 will be a part of our lives moving forward, but we now have the tools and knowledge to manage it,” she said.

 

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Contact:       Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, Emergency Information Officer, 625-3650