On April 24, City Council approved a revised organizational structure for the City of Thunder Bay. The new structure and corresponding employee transfers will take effect on July 4.

“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. 

The retirement in February of the General Manager, Corporate Services & Long-Term Care, led to consideration of the organizational structure as a way to realize efficiencies. The opportunity was taken to strategically align sections to maximize effectiveness. The most significant change is the reduction from five to four City Departments.

Current Structure: City Manager’s Office, Corporate Services & Long-Term Care, Community Services, Infrastructure & Operations, Development & Emergency Services.

New structure: City Manager’s Office (Norm Gale, City Manager), Corporate Services (Karen Lewis, General Manager), Community Services (Kelly Robertson, General Manager), Infrastructure, Development & Operations (Kerri Marshall, General Manager)

Within Corporate Services, the Finance Division will be renamed “Office of the City Treasurer” and the City Treasurer will report to the General Manager of Corporate Services. The realignment has many benefits. Some examples 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 in the reorganization will include engaging teams across the corporation to identify efficiencies. Every option is being explored. I am grateful to all staff for their expertise, commitment and continued reliable work to deliver vital programs and services in our community,” said Gale.

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Contact:           Trish Malmborg, Offices of the Mayor and City Manager, 807.625.3601