New Thunder Bay council members reflect on changes ahead

Two new city councillors took part in Thunder Bay council’s inaugural meeting Monday night.

Incoming Northwood ward councillor Shelby Ch'ng said it may take a few months to understand how city hall works.

"It's a little overwhelming. But, I'm very excited and I'm really looking forward to see what kind of teammate I make for this council,” she said.

"I'm not going in there with a bunch of changes. I kinda want to see how the interaction plays out with people, and the committees and kinda learn everything. So, for the first six months, I might be a little on the quieter side."

At large councillor Frank Pullia was previously elected in 2006.

He said he expects this term of office to be unique compared to previous years.

"It's always different; there's a new dynamic,” Pullia said.

“Thunder Bay is changing. We have, I wouldn't say a loss, but 38,000 people have left the city, and 38,000 have come in in the last 10 years. There's a lot of changes going on."

Last night's meeting was just for the swearing in, and council chambers were packed with friends and family of the 13 officials.

In an interview with CBC News, Mayor Keith Hobbs reflected on the year ahead:

"Social issues, as I talked about tonight, are going to be high on my priority list. Obviously infrastructure, bringing business in, it's going to be a real brutal year, trying to get a decent budget put together."

Council will get down to the business of running the city at its meeting next week.