‘Every option is being explored’ – Norm Gale

Changes coming to the organizational structure of the City of Thunder Bay the result of the 2023 city budget requiring the cutting of millions of dollars.

“When setting the 2023 City Budget, City Council directed me to identify significant budget savings and provide a report back to them in June. By end of 2023, at least $2.2 Million of permanent reductions will need to be found through increased revenue and decreased expenses,” stated City Manager Norm Gale.

As a result five departments will now become four.

The role of General Manager of Corporate Services and Long Term Care, previously held by the now retired Linda Evans, will be broken down and absorbed into other offices.

The Office of the City Treasurer and the City Treasurer will report to the General Manager of Corporate Services, currently held by Karen Lewis.

Other changes include:

• Community Services now includes Long-Term Care, which aligns with older adults Community Programs, and also involves similar legislation as Child Care.
• Community Strategies and Sustainability staff will transfer to the Strategic Initiatives & Engagement Division of the City Manager’s Office to bring them together with Indigenous Relations to enhance strategic alignment and collaboration.
• Shifting the Development Services Division (Planning, Realty, Building) to Infrastructure & Operations supports the close working relationships between that Division and those such as Engineering & Operations.
• Moving Fire Rescue to Infrastructure, Development & Operations recognizes the increased focus on emergency planning and preparedness for climate change as well as the connection with Building Services.

The next step according to Gale, is to engage with teams across the corporation and identify efficiencies.