City Announces Community Safety and Well-Being Coordinator

The City of Kenora is pleased to announce that Eric Shih has accepted the position of Community Safety and Well-Being Coordinator effective July 17, 2023.

Eric has an extensive educational background that features stops at Cornell University, Oxford University, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.  Eric’s most recent work as a local journalism initiative reporter with Dougall Media in Thunder Bay has afforded him the distinct opportunity to witness firsthand the many social and societal challenges faced by municipalities in Northwestern Ontario.

Previously, Eric served as the Director of Education and Community Development for Elevate NWO, a non-profit social service agency in Thunder Bay which serves vulnerable people affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

Eric’s time with Elevate NWO culminated with his supervision of a harm reduction housing initiative through the maintenance of public housing units for the unhoused and for those experiencing precarious housing. This program was developed to support creating shelter for people living outside in encampments, many with addiction and mental health issues.  Collaborating with many community partners and funders, Elevate NWO was able to provide stable transitional housing for over thirty people and secure permanent housing for eight of them under Eric’s leadership.

“I am honoured to join the City of Kenora to work on such an important issue. It is clear community safety is an urgent priority for many people, organizations, and businesses in Kenora. What I'm most looking forward to is facilitating a collaboration among all parts of the community, recognizing that many efforts are already underway, to ensure the success of local solutions in making Kenora a safe and welcoming place for everyone” states Eric Shih.

Chief Administrative Officer Kyle Attanasio states, “Eric’s distinct experience in journalism and the social services sector gives him a strong awareness of intersectionality and the social determinants of health that influence health and wellness outcomes. He is well-researched, has a track record of developing strong relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, and brings exceptional strategic communications skills to the role. We are excited to have Eric join our team and for the City to play this critical coordinating role to support community safety and well-being in Kenora.”

Media contact

Heather Pihulak, Director of Corporate Services

807-467-2295