Quality of Life Standing Committee

WITH RESPECT to the Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Quality of Life Standing Committee meeting, we recommend that the agenda as printed, including any additional information and new business, be confirmed.

WITH RESPECT to the deputation from Sean Spenrath, Wake the Giant, we recommend that the information contained within the deputation and request for stage barriers be referred to administration; AND THAT Administration report back to Standing Committee - Quality of Life by the end of Q2 2027; AND THAT any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification.

WITH RESPECT to Report 265-2026 - Infrastructure & Operations - Engineering, we request endorsement of the Standing Committee to forward the following recommendations to City Council: WE RECOMMEND THAT a new school crossing guard be established at Marlborough Street and Bay Street beginning in September 2026, with an increase of 0.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff and an annualized ongoing cost of $12,000; AND THAT the estimated cost for the remainder of 2026 of $4,500 be managed through the in-year variance process and the full cost for 2027 be included in the 2027 Operating Budget for City Council’s consideration; AND THAT any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification.

WITH RESPECT to Report 264-2026-Infrastructure & Operations-Parks & Open Spaces, we request endorsement of the Quality of Life Standing Committee to forward the following recommendations to City Council: WE RECOMMEND THAT a Stage Two application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation “Enhance Your Community” Funding Stream for the Waverley Park Fountain Restoration project be approved; AND THAT a total of $1,300,000 of City funding previously approved in the 2026/2027 Capital Budget be used as a source of funding for this project; AND THAT any additional cost overruns be covered by the City; AND THAT the commemoration of Sheila Burnford through the creation of the Burnford Garden in Waverley Park in an area south of the existing Hogarth Fountain be approved; AND THAT the Commissioner of Infrastructure and Operations be the authorized signing authority for the application; AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign all documentation related to this matter; AND THAT any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification.

THAT the Quality of Life Standing Committee meeting recess for 5 minutes.

WITH RESPECT to the recommendation as contained in Report 267-2026 Community Services - Recreation & Culture, we recommend that the following paragraphs be added after paragraph 2: AND THAT administration budget for 200 participants in the program, with the authority to increase up to 250 participants based on demand; AND THAT administration manage any variance in-year.

WITH RESPECT to Report 267-2026 - Community Services - Recreation & Culture, we request endorsement of the Quality of Life Standing Committee to forward the following recommendation to the 2027 budget process: THAT the Affordable Access to Recreation and Transit Program be included in the proposed 2027 Operating Budget as a permanent program for City Council’s consideration; AND THAT administration budget for 200 participants in the program, with the authority to increase up to 250 participants based on demand; AND THAT administration manage any variance in-year; AND THAT any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification.

WITH RESPECT to Report 322-2026 City Manager's Office - Office of the City Clerk, we request endorsement of the Quality of Life Standing Committee to forward the following recommendations to City Council: WE RECOMMEND THAT Option 3, a Selection/Recruitment Committee model for Thunder Bay Public Library Board appointments, be approved; AND THAT Corporate Policy 08-01-01, Council and Citizen Appointments to Committees & Boards, be amended to incorporate any necessary changes, requirements and privacy provisions; AND THAT any necessary by-laws be presented to City Council for ratification