Keith Hobbs eyes more change for Thunder Bay in 2014

Creating more physical and social infrastructure was a highlight of Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs' annual State of the City address to city councillors Monday night.

"This council has distinguished itself as the infrastructure council, or the council that is building a great city," he said. "Our roads, sewers, buildings, [and] water mains are critical to our residents."

Hobbs said his highlights also include wrapping up the Disaster Relief program, and seeing advancements in the city's drug strategy and substance abuse issues.

In the year ahead, combating homelessness, housing problems and racism in the community is a priority, he said.

"We still have much work to do on this issue through our anti-racism committee,' Hobbs continued.

However, it is important to note that those making inappropriate jokes and remarks are a small, small minority."

Other council news

During its meeting Monday night, Thunder Bay council:

Approved a four million dollar contract for about 9,000 new streetlights. The new LED lights will be installed on every residential street over the next three years. City manager Tim Commisso said the project will pay for itself in about seven years. The new lights will use 75 per cent less electricity than the current lights. Once the lights are fully implemented, the city will see a savings savings of more than $500,000 a year, Commisso said.

Approved a number of arts and community grants last night. About $2.3 million in funding is slated for groups such as Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Magnus Theatre, Shelter House, Thunder Bay Symphony, Bay Street Film Festival and the Regional Food Distribution Association. The list will now need council's final approval during budget deliberations next year.

Received a special thank you from the architects who designed Prince Arthur's Landing. The firm Brook McIlroy presented council with a plaque highlighting the 12 awards the project has received so far. 

Sean Serino, a senior associate with the firm, said many of these awards recognize the Spirit Garden and the Gathering Circle. "In this respect we are thrilled to acknowledge the contribution and support of the Aboriginal communities in Thunder Bay." Council also approved creating a memorial plaque and bench for the late Katherine Dugmore, who was instrumental in creating Prince Arthur's Landing. The memorial will sit at the end of Pier 2. 

Gave a tax-free exemption to the Sister Leila Greco apartments for about a dozen years. Back in 2009, council agreed to give the facility about $4.4 million dollars as a grant to the facility. The seniors apartment complex will not have to pay taxes until the grant is used up. City administration figured that will take about 12 years, based on the latest property assessment.

This was the last city council meeting of the year. The next Thunder Bay council meeting will take place Jan. 13, 2014.