Thunder Bay is giving residents a first look at the city’s Smart Growth Action Plan which is being developed.
The goal of the plan is to encourage people to move to the city, which would grow the tax base and strengthen the workforce locally.
The city and the local economic development commission provided an update on the plan at a non-business city council meeting on Monday.
“The Smart Growth Action Plan will mobilize people and organizations across Thunder Bay toward a common vision for sustainable and inclusive growth,” said City Manager John Collin. “This is not just a city strategy, it’s a community plan focused on action and real, measurable progress. The plan is still in progress, and we welcome continued input from the community.”
Earlier in the year, Collin started the Task Force of Growth to guide the creation of the plan.
The task force is made up of 25 members who represent community leaders and major local institutions and possess a range of expertise on economic and community growth.
The actions identified in the plan will be led by a variety of organizations from across the community.
The plan will build on a growth assessment and strategy developed by the Thunder Bay CEDC, which is scheduled to be released at the same time as the action plan.
“The CEDC looks forward to working collaboratively with the City to grow our economy,” said CEDC CEO and Co-Vice Chair of the Task Force, Jamie Taylor. “Our economic assessment and strategy will complement and strengthen the City of Thunder Bay’s Smart Growth Action Plan by identifying actionable opportunities to attract new investment and support business expansion.”
The public can now view a draft of the plan and provide feedback by clicking here or emailing growth@thunderbay.ca.
The city will also be hosting a pair of town halls later this month to share details of the plan and receive questions and feedback:
- June 25 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Mary JL Black Library
- June 26 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Oliver Road Community Centre.
The survey, which closes on July 4, will also be available in hard copy at Thunder Bay Public Library branches.
A final version of the plan will be presented to city council for approval in the fall.
