Page 13 – Intended Debate Hosted by Thunder Bay Library, 2026

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Due to the librarians strike this event was cancelled.

We’re very much looking forward to hosting you at the Library’s 2026 municipal election events. To give you greater context on the format and timing for the events, please see the details below.

Ward and Mayoral Events

530pm – Candidates arrive and greet the public as they enter and find their seats

6:00pm – The event formally begins with introductions by Richard Togman, Library CEO

6:10pm-730pm 

  • Candidates will receive 60 seconds to introduce themselves
  • Candidates will be asked questions by Library CEO from a prepared list 
  • Candidates will have 2 minutes to answer each question. Time limits will be strictly enforced.
  • There will be multiple rounds of questions, with each candidate being asked one question per round. Our aim is to ask as many questions as time will allow.

730pm – Conclusion

8:00pm – Library closes for the evening

Please note that this is not a formal debate. All candidates will have full access to the questions ahead of time and may prepare answers if they wish. However, candidates will not be asked every question on the list. Questions will be asked in sequential order to candidates over multiple rounds. Thus every candidate will be answering a different question. The question list was drawn from questions submitted by the public. This format ensures neutrality, non-partisanship and an engaging evening for the public. For reference, please see the 2022 Mayoral Forum hosted by the Library (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIRgm33JQTY&t=11s). The same format will be used this year.

The list of questions that may be asked at the events are:

  1. City council appoints the majority of the Police Service Board and Councillors actively serve on the Police Board as well. There have been concerns raised in the community about police accountability and public trust. Many Indigenous community leaders have been advocating for systemic change for years. What governance or operational changes would you advocate for at the Police Service Board to address both crime reduction and increasing public trust in our local police service?
  2. The City’s ‘Temporary Shelter Village’ and ‘Encampment Response Plan’ are intended to help address homelessness in Thunder Bay. Do you support the current approach and what long term strategy would you pursue to address the crisis?
  3. Affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many Thunder Bay workers. What specific tools would you use as a councillor to increase the supply of affordable rental and ownership housing? 
  4. Many parents struggle to secure spots in child care facilities which prevents them from returning to the workforce. Would you endorse an increase in the City’s child care programs and how would you deal with the cost of raising a child for Thunder Bay parents?
  5. Thunder Bay is projected to have a labor shortage in the near future and many businesses complain about getting the skilled labor they need to grow. What is your plan to attract the labor force we need to Thunder Bay?
  6. Small businesses employ about two-thirds of the Canadian workforce and are a critical part of our neighborhoods and communities. How would you use City resources to support the local small business community?
  7. The City has adopted a target based approach to tax increases. The aim is for the rate of tax increases to roughly match the pace of inflation. Do you agree with this approach and under what circumstances should Council approve higher tax rates?
  8. There have been criticisms of many new subdivisions as being effectively ‘gated communities’ consisting of high end homes with little affordable housing. Do you perceive this as a problem and how would you address those concerned about these types of developments?
  9. Thunder Bay Public Library has adopted a ‘Social Procurement’ policy, which sets spending targets for purchasing from local business and Indigenous owned businesses. The Chamber of Commerce is now advocating for similar ‘Buy Local’ policies for the City. Would you support the City adopting ‘Buy Local’ programs that aim to support local businesses, even if it may mean paying higher prices?
  10. The SMART Growth Action Plan and other City documents actively promote infill and densification as part of the growth strategy. Do you believe the City is on the right track with its approach and how would you like to see development occur in Thunder Bay?
  11. The CEDC reports that Indigenous economic activity contributes almost $700 million to our local GDP and has a $1.55 billion in economic impact. At the same time, our City has a reputation for racism and discrimination. How would you support Indigenous residents and attract Indigenous business to Thunder Bay?
  12. Thunder Bay has a widely publicized infrastructure gap of over $30 million annually – meaning that every year we fall $30 million more behind in maintaining our assets. How would you seek to close that gap and ensure the community has well maintained, high quality infrastructure?
  13. Thunder Bay Police have been vocal that we can not police our way out of crime and social disorder. Rather we need upstream investments, community building initiatives and pro-social infrastructure, like libraries, to address root causes. Can you describe in some detail what that looks like to you and your vision for pro-active, upstream investments that the municipality can undertake.
  14. Some see a tension between supporting downtown revitalization and championing local business on the one hand while at the same time encouraging the growth of big box stores and suburban sprawl. How would you address those concerns and where do you think City resources should be focused when planning for growth?
  15. Would you support a Mayor using “Strong Mayor” powers — authority that lets a Mayor push through certain decisions without needing full Council approval, and if so, under what conditions?
  16. Studies show that walkable neighborhoods are better for small, local businesses. But many new developments in Thunder Bay have favored big box stores with large parking lots instead. Would you support redesigning city planning rules to encourage smaller, locally-owned businesses over large corporate chains?
  17. Public safety affects everyone and local businesses are most sensitive to crime and disorder. What strategies or funding would you create to help address safety in our downtown areas?
  18. Indigenous residents of Thunder Bay are an important part of our future. They represent a major source of new entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers as well as bringing valuable cultural and social benefits to our community. How would you ensure that Thunder Bay becomes a major hub for Indigenous led economic growth?
  19. Many community groups have called on the City to invest in an ever increasing list of services, including new sports facilities, entertainment venues, art and culture opportunities, etc. These often come with large price tags and debt obligations that the City may bear for years. What responsibility does the municipal government have in improving quality of life beyond delivering basic municipal services?
  20. Many in the community believe that taxes are too high and historically the rate of tax increases has outpaced inflation. Can you articulate a strategy for how the City should spend and invest that recognizes the increasing cost of tax as a barrier to living and doing business in Thunder Bay?

If you have any questions regarding these questions please let me know, I will gladly respond to them.