2023 Employee Spotlights

Cory Auger, Coordinator of Park Services, began at the City in the Parks Division in 1998 after obtaining his diploma in Recreational Leadership at Confederation College.

He sees his job duties as comparable to those he follows as a football coach.

“With 32 years coaching football, I’ve learned a lot of skills that help me on the job,” explains Cory, “Being prompt and organized at work is equal to creating a practice plan or scheming offensive plays on the football field.”

Whether it’s the design and installation of a new playground at Trowbridge Falls Park or the construction of Thunder Bay’s first batting cage at the Chapples Cricket Field, Cory knows the importance of communicating with community groups including sports organizations, park volunteers and contractors.

“There’s a lot of moving parts. From coordinating schedules to overseeing maintenance duties and capital projects, the importance of teamwork is key to a project’s success.”

Upon each project’s completion, Cory feels a sense of accomplishment. “I am proud to be a part of a team that works hard to provide citizens and community groups with fun and safe park amenities.”

Shane Rinne knew he wanted to pursue a career working with water since his postsecondary years. After gaining experience checking bridges and culverts in his previous employment, he applied to the City as a seasonal employee for Water and Sewer North. Here, his strengths in the field advanced, and he became a full-time member of the team in January 2023.

“Every day is different; a new day presents new challenges that require different solutions—it keeps the job interesting,” says Shane.

He credits his diploma and degree in forestry for providing him with a solid starting point to support his career. “The work is so specialized with things changing all the time that there’s a lot to learn both in theory and in practice.”

After the City’s water leaves Bare Point Water Treatment Plant, Shane and his coworkers are responsible for what happens to it on its way to users. If there’s a watermain break or a service leak, they’ll be the ones to fix it. They perform regular water quality checks that includes flushing hydrants and ensuring the water remains safe for residents.

Shane credits his team for sharing their collective knowledge of policies and procedures from their experience on the job. “They’ve been integral to my understanding of how Thunder Bay’s specific water system works and how to keep our City’s water safe and flowing, which is so rewarding.”

Fletcher Anderson has worked for the City the last two summers as a Student Labourer, beginning in May 2022. In  earlier years he gained experience working for a residential grass-cutting business where he learned how to drive with a trailer, use grass-cutting equipment and weed whackers, and lay sod. “It’s been handy that I already had some experience in these areas,” said Fletcher.

In his daily work, Fletcher and the crew he works with is given a weekly list of City parks and tasks that need to be completed. The crew manages their time throughout the week to complete the tasks. “The work varies,” said Fletcher. “We’re not always mowing grass. Sometimes we’ll be laying sod, sometimes raking ball diamonds, or even collecting litter and taking it to the landfill site.”

One aspect of the job that Fletcher enjoys is its hours: “It’s regular work with regular hours, 8 to 4:30 every weekday. And it’s outdoors – no sitting at a desk.” Summer parks workers do their jobs in crews of two or three.

Fletcher appreciates that his work makes a difference for City residents and visitors. “You’re doing a City service job, and you want to do the best job possible.”

“When we visit parks, for instance, we might not only be mowing grass, but also checking playground equipment to make sure it’s in good repair and safe,” said Fletcher.

“The work is definitely team oriented, and the people I work with are awesome.”

Karen Bonazzo began her career with the City in May 2015 as a summer student, in the Human Resources & Corporate Safety (HRCS) Division. After she finished school, she was hired as a Human Resources Assistant and then as the Staffing & Development Consultant. For her final role in HRCS, she stepped in to cover a parental leave as the City’s Health & Wellness Coordinator.
The most recent move for Karen was into the City’s Community Services Department, where she is celebrating her first anniversary as Special Events Developer in the Recreation & Culture Division. In this position, Karen is responsible for 13 large-scale City events through the year.

“I think I was born an event planner,” said Karen. “While working in Human Resources I planned the yearly 25-year Service and Retirees Banquet as well as many employee appreciation events. I’ve also been known to plan weddings in my spare time!”

“Now I am in my element at work. Who else gets to plan events like SnowDay on the Waterfront, Quest: Tech & Gaming, and Kite Festival? Right now in Rec & Culture I’ve just finished Canada Day on the Waterfront, and the next events are Teddy Bears Picnic on July 11, and the Live on the Waterfront series that starts July 19. There is always something exciting happening!”

Spring and summer is the busiest time for Karen, since many events are scheduled close together to take advantage of the good weather. Organizing a successful event usually involves collaboration with many individuals and groups. “All of my events are quite large and require support from many different areas within the City as well as food vendors, community groups and other agencies,” said Karen.

“I am very lucky to be supported by amazing coworkers throughout the City to make these events happen. I am also thankful for my team, who comes together to help support me during the events. Our Volunteer Coordinator always ensures we are supported by trained volunteers. Our Cultural Development and Public Art Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator connect with a range of community organizations to help promote arts opportunities connected with our events. Similarly, our Community Program Developer helps organize the community groups that apply to participate. Our team supervisor plays a huge part in our stage performances, especially with Live on the Waterfront, and our Assistant Coordinator of Festivals and Events was instrumental in helping to coordinate Kite Festival with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds this spring.”

Asked if there is a calmer time of year for her, Karen said, “Normally the fall is my ‘quiet season,’ when I start to prepare everything for the next year. However, this year I’m chairing the Special Events Committee for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games, to take place in Thunder Bay next February - so my quiet season won’t be very quiet.”

“I’ve learned a lot this past year, especially with bringing back our full event season after the pandemic. It is a privilege to offer free events to city residents and visitors. In my job, every day brings something different, something new to learn and new people to meet. I am very thankful for all of the support I receive from the various divisions throughout the City. I couldn’t do this work without them! I am excited about the future of City events, and am always looking for ways to improve them. For all these reasons, I really feel I have the best job!”

Sustainability is always a passion for Amy Coomes. “It’s great to meet and collaborate with so many amazing colleagues across the entire City organization and in other municipalities,” said Amy. “And, I love that I am working towards a strategy that will help to make Thunder Bay more sustainable.”

Thunder Bay, along with all cities in Ontario, is required to make a long-term, comprehensive plan to manage, renew and finance its assets including roads, sewers, water systems, parks equipment, vehicles, buildings, wetlands, trees and many more categories. “Not all assets are managed the same way,” said Amy. “There is a lot of learning to understand the condition of assets, their expected life, risk of failure, rehabilitation options and costs, and how the data about the assets is stored. The lifecycle of each asset needs to be managed, sustainably.”

In 2022, Amy began a new role for the City’s Infrastructure & Operations Dept. as the Project Manager responsible for the City-wide Asset Management Program. She began her career with the City in January 2018, when she was hired as the Climate Adaptation Coordinator – and later that year became the City’s Sustainability Coordinator. “My earlier work with City of Calgary Parks as their Environmental Program Coordinator helped prepare me for both of these former roles,” said Amy.

“So far in my career I’ve done a wide range of program and project management, and have gained experience working with the public and multiple stakeholder groups, and with other municipalities. Coming from a sustainability background has also been helpful with my current work in asset management. The best asset management practices are those that include social, environmental, and economic considerations.”

“As Project Manager, I am responsible for the development and continual improvement of the City’s asset management program to make sure we are in compliance with Ontario Reg. 588/17. I bring data about all City assets together and prepare reports for staff and Council. I also collaborate with City departments to ensure all asset-specific information, such as technical and engineering data, is reflected in the plan, in plain language.”

In this challenging position, Amy has help from her colleagues both within and outside the City. “I work with teams of City colleagues, and also with the Asset Management Steering Committee, to gather information. I also have amazing co-workers who help review asset registers, condition reports, graphs, maps and surveys. This helps me compile the most accurate data for reports, and for public engagement. I also connect with asset management staff from other municipalities - we share best practices and experiences.”

Jillian Fazio began her work for the City of Thunder Bay in 2017, and is a Planner II in the Development Services Department. Land use planners protect the public interest over the long-term by guiding land use and development within the community.

“As a municipal planner I evaluate private development applications like zoning changes, site plan approvals, subdivisions, and severances. I prepare reports, present planning recommendations to City Council and the Committee of Adjustment, represent the City’s Planning Division at committees and public consultation events, and participate in policy development and process improvement for my Division,” said Jillian.

After graduating from the Environmental Design program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, she took a job as a retail manager in Thunder Bay while she looked for a local job in land use planning.

“My education and work within my field gave me knowledge and technical skills that I needed, but working in retail gave me a crash course in customer service, managing issues, and having difficult conversations. These are skills I use all the time as a public servant.”

“Sometimes there are conflicting interests and perspectives among developers and nearby property owners. Finding a balance can be tough, but that’s an important part of the job,” she noted.

While much of Jillian’s work is independent, she is part of a team in Development Services who support each other’s tasks and initiatives, and provide input. “In planning there is not one singular correct answer to every question or one solution to every problem,” Jillian said. “We consider a wide range of perspectives and options to formulate a professional opinion. So, we rely on one another to present opposing ideas and talk things through.”

The City’s Development Services Dept. recently launched a new Building & Planning Portal that streamlines Building Permits and Planning Applications. Jillian played a key role in the Portal’s development. “I was the ‘subject matter expert’ who collaborated with the City’s Corporate Information Technology Department and consultants to digitize our existing application process.”

“Our previous process was a mixture of digital and analog tasks, so there was some duplication of effort for staff, and extra steps for applicants. The new online Portal provides an end-to-end digital process. Applying, evaluating, processing, and record-keeping are now digitized, which should improve and simplify the application process for both customers and staff.”

Asked what she likes best about her job, Jillian gave a shout out to the members of her team in Development Services. “My kind and hard-working teammates help keep my passion for city planning going.”

Ally Drombolis started her career in 2016 as an intern student with PRO Kids, a City program that helps children and youth access sports programs when their families can’t afford the fees.

“I knew I wanted to get into the not-for-profit realm, and community work,” said Ally. “When the internship came up, it looked like a perfect fit.” Ally had just completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Lakehead University, with a Marketing major.

The internship turned into ongoing contract work PRO Kids, and two years ago Ally was hired as the Customer Services & Marketing Coordinator for the City’s Community Services Dept.

“Half of my role is still supporting PRO Kids fundraising and marketing,” said Ally. “I work with PRO Kids Coordinator Laura Daniele, and I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge over the years, learning about the City as an organization, and City fundraising events like the Mayor’s Mulligan. My PRO Kids experience connected me with many City departments and divisions, and introduced me to fundraising.”

The other half of Ally’s current position supports the City’s Sport & Community Development team under supervisor Paul Burke. “Arranging sponsorships is a large part of my position, and Paul has been a mentor concerning sponsorships and marketing initiatives,” said Ally, who is also now serving as Chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the Ontario Winter Games, to take place in Thunder Bay in February 2024.

Ally reports that her job is very dynamic, and every day is different. “Part of my job is supervising the Fort William Gardens box office, which gives me contact with lots of exciting community sports events. I also work with promoters of shows there. I’m always meeting new people.” Ally also supports her team with grant applications, and does advertising for the satellite arenas.

Asked about challenges in her job, Ally described the moving parts in the work she does. “I support many different teams and operations, so it can be a challenge to stay on top of things. I might go straight from a meeting about a summer golf tournament to one about the Winter Games. It keeps me on my toes!”

“With the Ontario Winter Games, it’s my first time working on such a large-scale sports tournament, and it’s truly inspiring to see organizations and businesses of every shape and size be so onboard with a community initiative.”

Ally reports that she likes the people she works with. What could be better? “I am surrounded by people who motivate me to be at my best.”

“It’s nice to look forward to going into work. You should enjoy what you do!”

Pictured is Ally Drombolis with colleagues Laura Daniele, Kelly Robertson and Paul Burke

Courtney Gallant has worked her entire career in municipal government. She started “fresh out of university” in the Township of Gillies, and then moved on to the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge before becoming the City of Thunder Bay’s Executive Assistant (EA) to the Mayor in 2019.

“I’ve been a lifer in municipal government,” Courtney said with humour. “Each placement has allowed me to serve the public, though when I started with my current job as the Mayor’s EA, my position became a more supportive role. With this type of administrative support, the Mayor is able to focus on the issues and concerns that require attention.” 

The job of Executive Assistant to the Mayor is distinctive because it involves both the administrative and political facets of local government. “It’s fascinating to watch the two parts work together to arrive at decisions for the City. Because the business of the Mayor’s office has a political context, I feel it’s important that I’m sensitive to the differing perspectives and attentive to their implications, whether we are dealing with routine or challenging matters,” said Courtney.  

Courtney’s days on the job involve providing administrative support to the Mayor by maintaining schedules and communications. Aside from keeping a calendar, much of her work involves fielding calls from the public. Courtney connects with many different City departments and other groups.

“Every day I meet new and fascinating people. I hear about their experiences in the City and with the City, and help to make important connections for them. Making these connections with others is one of the things I love most about this job.”

 “I work with some pretty amazing people in both the Mayor’s office and in the City Manager’s office, all very supportive and compassionate, celebrating each other’s successes and happy to help when needed.”

PRO Kids Coordinator Laura Daniele started her career with the City early, working through her youth at Chippewa Park, Summer Camps and playgrounds. “Working for the City is ingrained in my blood!” Laura said with a smile as we began our interview.

As a young adult Laura graduated from the Recreation program at Confederation College, and when her children became school-age, she once again investigated working in children’s programming for the City. Her aim was to coordinate part-time work hours with her children’s school schedule. “I’ve always loved kids,” said Laura. “Working with kids is who I am as a person.”

And so, 25 years ago, Laura spearheaded the City’s brand new program: PRO Kids, which helps low-income families access recreation activities for their children.

“I’ve always liked starting things from scratch. I like ‘lighting fires’. And, I like things that are new, that change, are versatile, and move from one thing to another. Everything this position offered – and has offered and required of me for 25 years – has been right up my alley,” Laura said.

Laura greatly values networking and enjoys collaborating with members of the PRO Kids Board and Fundraising Committee. “PRO Kids has 200+ partner agencies and I think we’ve developed trust in each other. Working alongside Ally Drombolis since 2016 has helped bring PRO Kids to a whole new level.”

Laura describes her role as “largely leisure counselling for families, in that parents don’t always know what to apply for - what will fit in terms of the type of activity for their child, the location, etc. It’s great to be helping parents work through things.”

“When you can assist a parent with making good things happen for their child, it takes pressure off of them. And for me, I've grown and learned so much just by helping people on the phone - when to speak, when to listen, how best to help.”

The 25th Anniversary of PRO Kids was announced on Jan. 31, 2023. Reflecting on this milestone, Laura noted, “I have three sons, and PRO Kids is my fourth child. I really feel that when you spend seven hours a day at a job, it becomes a part of you. I want to stress that PRO Kids is about community coming together. For me, sharing in all those connections is a privilege. It's been an honour.”

~ Photo: PRO Kids Partner Faye Stockwell, PRO Kids Board Member Melanie Tibishkogijig, PRO Kids Coordinator Laura Daniele 

John Fisher is an Equipment Operator III on the Roads South team for the City of Thunder Bay. Before working for  Roads, he worked from 2006-2013 in Solid Waste & Recycling. Over the years John developed his skills as a heavy equipment operator on the job, and today can run an array of machines. “Now I’m able to pretty well run everything we have, from loaders, graders and backhoes, to street sweepers and dump trucks,” said John.

John’s duties vary, depending on the season, or even the day. In the winter, his job is usually focused on snow removal. If it has recently snowed, John is out in a loader-plow clearing roads overnight while many of us are in our cozy beds. During the days, he works with other roads clearing crews to move snow and make it easier for drivers and pedestrians to get around.

“In the winter, we are steadily dealing with snow – either the sanders are out or we are using equipment to move snow and make more room for future weather,” explained John. “In the summer I’m usually grading gravel roads in the rural part of Thunder Bay. But I could also be doing a culvert job with a backhoe or driving a dump truck hauling gravel or debris, or street sweeping with the big sweepers.”

When asked about the challenges he and his coworkers face that might surprise people, John explained that they sometimes deal with drivers who cut them off or don’t make room for the machines. “It gets frustrating sometimes, because we are just trying to do our jobs.” Most northerners are familiar with the feeling of dread that comes with seeing a plow about to spread a new windrow across the end of their driveway. “Sometimes people will come right out beside the machine and stop us. On the other hand some people bring out gifts, a box of chocolates, a Tim’s card or a basket of buns or cookies they just made because they are so grateful for what we are doing.”

Equipment operators such as John usually work in teams. “When the graders go out to plow the main routes, they’re teamed up, usually two per run, but I’m usually separate in the loader-plow. When we do snow removal in back lanes, I’m in a loader, other operators are in trucks, and another one watches traffic.”

With over 16 years with the City, John is now a veteran employee and often finds himself looked to by newer staff to answer questions and provide experience, knowledge and advice. “It’s been really impactful for me, that as I get older, other operators are coming to me and I can share the experience I have.”