City Manager Norm Gale has announced that he is retiring at the end of June 2024, ending the longest tenure of any City Manager for the City of Thunder Bay with over eight years spent in the role.
Gale first became city manager on an interim basis in October of 2015 before moving into the role full-time on January 11, 2016.
“The fact that Norm has been the longest-serving City Manager in Thunder Bay’s history is a testament to his steady leadership and ability to build a strong, effective team,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “We look forward to working with him over the next six months and appreciate his commitment to facilitating an effective transition.”
During his time as City Manager, Gale led the city’s Emergency Response Team and supported the delivery of essential services for Thunder Bay residents during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
He was a big part of the Program Service Review assisted the Digital Strategy and three successive strategic plans, and led a recent corporate realignment.
“I’m grateful to members of successive City Councils for their support of me, and to my colleagues on the executive management team and all City staff for their dedicated service to the people of Thunder Bay,” said City Manager Norm Gale. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented and committed individuals. I am grateful for the support and collaboration that has defined our collective efforts to enhance the well-being of our community.”
Mr. Gale has dedicated 40 years of his career to public service, the past 33 years with the City of Thunder Bay.
Before his role as City Manager, he was Chief of Superior North EMS with the City and District of Thunder Bay, a position he held for seven years.
Mr. Gale was a front-line paramedic for over a decade and was employed in progressively senior leadership positions in EMS and the community.
“There remain major milestones on a variety of projects that will be my main focus over the next six months, including delivering the 2024 budget, finalizing the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, and positioning our city to meet our housing targets,” added Gale. “I will continue to work hard and to lead the Corporation until my very last day, and I look forward to helping with the transition to the next City Manager.”
“There will be opportunity closer to the retirement date for me to truly reflect more on these past eight years and our experiences.”
Mr. Gale’s career began in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, where he served as an Army communicator and retired honourably from the Army Reserve after 23 years of service.