Jun 18, 2026 · 23 min · 5 segments
Host Amy Stasiewicz recaps the recent Quality of Life and Growth Standing Committee meetings. The City’s Urban Forester, Aaron Brecka, visits the Minutes studio to discuss next steps for tree removal…
Amy StasiewiczHost
Aaron BreckaGuest
Like all meetings, the night began with a land acknowledgement and then right into the agenda.
There was a deputation from WSP Canada on the status of Highway 117 widening to four lanes from Cacabeca Falls to Thunder Bay Expressway.
The first report was an update on Thunder Bay's ongoing response to the Emerald Ash Borer and where things stand right now.
The city's plan is on track, but now we're seeing more visible signs of infestation across the community, especially in areas with lots of ash trees.
The city is shifting to street-wide removals to improve safety, efficiency, and replanting efforts.
Since 2016, about 2,500 ash trees have already been removed, and with around 3,500 still to go.
There's a lot more behind these decisions and what it all means for residents.
Today's podcast guest will help break it all down and explain what to expect in the years ahead.
The second report of administration is about the City of Thunder Bay's Youth and Family Support Program, a key part of its youth gang prevention strategy.
This program, running from 2022 to 2026 with federal funding, is focused on early intervention, supporting youth aged 10 to 13 and their families.
So far, it's directly supported 96 young people and their families, while also reaching many more through community partners, programs and education.
It's about mentorship, trust and helping families navigate systems that can often feel complicated or hard to access.
The program also brought together schools, health services, Indigenous partners, and community organizations to create a more coordinated, supportive system around youth.
An independent evaluation from Lakehead University found the program is working and making a real impact, improving access to supports, strengthening partnerships, and building skills to prevent gang involvement before it starts.
There's also some innovative work happening, like a virtual reality tool called Streetwise XR, which helps youth understand and recognize risks like gang recruitment.
Keeping this momentum going through continued partnerships, shared resources, and hopefully continued funding.
The next report is an update on the progress of Thunder Bay's Fit Together Recreation and Facilities Master Plan.
Like all meetings, the night began with a land acknowledgement and then right into the agenda.
There was a deputation from WSP Canada on the status of Highway 117 widening to four lanes from Cacabeca Falls to Thunder Bay Expressway.
The first report was an update on Thunder Bay's ongoing response to the Emerald Ash Borer and where things stand right now.
The city's plan is on track, but now we're seeing more visible signs of infestation across the community, especially in areas with lots of ash trees.
The city is shifting to street-wide removals to improve safety, efficiency, and replanting efforts.
Since 2016, about 2,500 ash trees have already been removed, and with around 3,500 still to go.
There's a lot more behind these decisions and what it all means for residents.
Today's podcast guest will help break it all down and explain what to expect in the years ahead.
The second report of administration is about the City of Thunder Bay's Youth and Family Support Program, a key part of its youth gang prevention strategy.
This program, running from 2022 to 2026 with federal funding, is focused on early intervention, supporting youth aged 10 to 13 and their families.
So far, it's directly supported 96 young people and their families, while also reaching many more through community partners, programs and education.
It's about mentorship, trust and helping families navigate systems that can often feel complicated or hard to access.
The program also brought together schools, health services, Indigenous partners, and community organizations to create a more coordinated, supportive system around youth.
An independent evaluation from Lakehead University found the program is working and making a real impact, improving access to supports, strengthening partnerships, and building skills to prevent gang involvement before it starts.
There's also some innovative work happening, like a virtual reality tool called Streetwise XR, which helps youth understand and recognize risks like gang recruitment.
Keeping this momentum going through continued partnerships, shared resources, and hopefully continued funding.
The next report is an update on the progress of Thunder Bay's Fit Together Recreation and Facilities Master Plan.
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