2002-02-15 City Wins Prestigious Marketing Award
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA – February 15, 2002
Annually, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) conducts a Marketing Awards of Excellence competition to applaud the outstanding achievements of its members and those in the economic development profession.
Under the new Product Development category, The City of Thunder Bay tied with the City of Hamilton for an award of Excellence for Redevelopment Initiatives. Thunder Bay’s Downtown Core Revitalization Project was launched in 1998 by a partnership of Council representatives, the City Planning & Building Department, Development Thunder Bay, Tourism Thunder Bay, the Arts and Heritage Committee, the Heart of the Harbour, Victoriaville and Simpson Street Business Improvement Associations, FedNor, HRDC and the Chamber of Commerce. The project aimed to enhance the viability of Thunder Bay’s downtown areas. Aspects of the project ranged from identifying redevelopment opportunities to the promotion of the downtown areas and the design and delivery of innovative financial incentive mechanisms to encourage investment.
Acting General Manager of the Development Department, Mark Smith, stated, "By working in partnership, setting a strategy and focussing together on positive efforts we were able to achieve the goals as set by the partners." Mr. Smith continued, "Thunder Bay was recognized by EDCO for this strategy, program and our innovative use of existing legislation. Our program and approach is now being copied by other municipalities."
During the awards ceremony, this new Product Development Category was highlighted. Nancy Creighton, Manager of Development Thunder Bay accepting the award on behalf of the City, was asked to outline the approaches and activities undertaken with the objective of encouraging replication in other communities.
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For additional information contact:
Tourism and Economic Development Thunder Bay 625-3960
