Relive this moment in history: Walter Assef in the mayor's chair
If you think city council meetings in Thunder Bay, Ont. get a little heated from time-to-time, it's nothing compared to the days of Walter Assef. This week's Wayback With Matt takes a look at one of the city's most notorious mayors.
Assef served as mayor from 1973-1978 and 1981-1985
CBC News ·
This photo of Thunder Bay's 1981 city council shows Walter Assef standing behind the desk in the middle. (thunderbay.ca)
Social Sharing
Superior Morning6:30Wayback with Matt - Walter Assef
On this week's episode of "Wayback With Matt" a look back at Thunder Bay's most notorious mayor.
If you think city council meetings in Thunder Bay, Ont. get a little heated from time-to-time these days, it's nothing compared to the tenure of Walter Assef.
The former Vaudevillian performer-turned-politician was a popular mayor, occupying the top job from 1973-1978 and 1981-1985, in addition to over a decade as councillor for both Fort William and Thunder Bay.
Assef died in 1988.
Walter Assef served two terms as mayor of Thunder Bay, in addition to over a decade as a councillor for both the city and the former community of Fort William. (thunderbay.ca)
His time as mayor included a number of memorable outbursts, including physically threatening councillors and city staff. There was also controversy during a 1973 Royal Visit to Thunder Bay.
His antics even drew a television news crew from Duluth, Minn. north to report on him.
