People across Thunder Bay are getting a first look at the Smart Growth Action Plan featuring dozens of actions to grow the city’s tax base, strengthen its workforce and attract population and investment – while building community vibrancy, inclusiveness and readiness for sustainable growth.

Leaders with the City of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) provided an update on the plan at a non-business meeting of City Council on Monday evening at City Hall.

“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 this year, Collin convened Task Force Growth to guide the creation of the Smart Growth Action 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 & Strategy which will be released at the same time by the Thunder Bay CEDC, noted CEO Jamie Taylor, who is also a co-vice chair of Task Force Growth.

“The CEDC looks forward to working collaboratively with the City to grow our economy,” said 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.”

Starting on Tuesday, June 17, the public can review draft elements of the plan and provide feedback, by visiting thunderbay.ca/getinvolved or by emailing growth@thunderbay.ca. The City will also host a pair of town halls later this month to share details of the plan and receive questions and feedback:

  • June 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Mary J.L. Black Public Library
  • June 26, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Oliver Road Community Centre
A final version of the Smart Growth Action Plan will be presented to City Council for approval in the fall.