Tanya Vrebosch
Tanya Vrebosch is running for Councillor in North Bay.
Tanya Vrebosch (she/her) brings 18 years of municipal council experience to North Bay, having served as Deputy Mayor, Budget Chief, and Chair of Public Works. She has represented Northern Ontario municipal interests through her work on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) boards. Tanya studied Recreation and Leisure Services at Canadore College and holds a Diploma in Public Administration from Western University. She carries on a family history of municipal service following her father, Bill Vrebosch, grandfather, George Gravelle, and uncle, Reg Gravelle. Together with her partner, Dan Nogueira, she is raising their two daughters, Sydney and Danielle.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for North Bay City Council to bring honest, authentic, and dedicated leadership back to City Hall. I believe in doing the background work, speaking candidly with residents, and leading with a strong moral compass focused on what is right for our community. Having served 18 years in municipal government, I understand how to get things done locally and advocate for North Bay’s fair share at the provincial level through my work with AMO and ROMA. My priority is to provide transparent, common-sense leadership that listens directly to residents, supports core infrastructure, and keeps North Bay a vibrant, liveable city for every family.
What do you love most about your community?
What I love most about North Bay is how close-knit and grounded our community is. You can go from a busy day to relaxing on the beach within minutes, and everywhere you go, people are genuinely friendly. Most importantly, whenever a neighbour or family is in need, North Bay always steps up and comes together. I tested living elsewhere once and lasted just one month, North Bay is home, and there is simply no place I'd rather be.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
The biggest challenge facing North Bay is navigating complex community pressures, specifically housing availability, safety, infrastructure demands, and local cost-of-living pressures, while keeping municipal government responsive and accountable. Municipalities across Ontario are tasked with managing issues that require strong, proactive leadership and effective advocacy with senior levels of government. Tackling these challenges requires transparent decision-making, smart prioritization of essential services, and a Council that listens directly to residents to deliver practical, common-sense solutions.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
During my term, I want to restore absolute trust and transparency in local governance by ensuring City Hall operates openly, listens to residents, and focuses on practical, core priorities. That means ensuring taxpayers see direct value in their local infrastructure and services, driving open communication on key decisions, and working collaboratively across Northern Ontario and with upper levels of government, to secure the support and resources North Bay deserves.
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
I want City Hall to actually consult with the community instead of just going through the motions, or skipping public input altogether. Too often, decisions feel pre-determined, and residents are left in the dark until it's a done deal. I want to see genuine, early consultation where feedback actually matters, coupled with a secure, third-party whistleblower policy to ensure total accountability and transparency at every level of local government.
What does good local government look like to you?
Good local government is straightforward: you show up, do your homework, listen to people, and make decisions based on common sense and a strong moral compass. It means being accessible, admitting when something isn't working, and focusing on getting the basics right.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
On my wish list, I would love to create a neighborhood grant program where local residents and community groups could apply directly for funding to improve their own neighborhoods, like adding park benches, fixing up playgrounds, or improving lighting. But looking at our reality and most pressing needs, I would put that $1 million directly toward securing physical space for a medical clinic. Having turnkey space ready to go is one of our best tools for attracting and retaining much-needed family doctors to North Bay.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
I listen, I do my homework, and I focus on the facts rather than personal politics. Disagreements are a natural part of council, but I don't take differences of opinion personally. My approach is to sit down, hear out the other perspective, find common ground where we can, and vote my conscience based on what is genuinely best for North Bay.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
Having more women at the table brings valuable perspectives, different life experiences, and practical approaches to everyday community challenges. However, gender is only one piece of the puzzle, voters should always do their homework to ensure any candidate, woman or man, has the qualifications, work ethic, and dedication to do the job right. When skilled, well-prepared women earn a seat at Council, it enriches discussions, fosters strong collaboration, and ensures our decisions reflect the needs of the whole community.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
I am someone who leads with my heart, and behind every vote I make is a deep love for this community and my family. Away from City Hall, I’m just a mom raising two daughters alongside my partner Dan, trying to make sure North Bay remains a safe, vibrant place for them, and every child here, to grow up in. I bring that same practical, caring approach to how I treat our city. And having worked just about every job imaginable when I was younger, from administrative assistant all the way to Zamboni driver...I'm certainly not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get to work!
Where can people find you?
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593809332010
Instagram: @vrebosch
You can reach me through Facebook or LinkedIn, or feel free to send me an email or text, I always respond directly to residents.
