The City of Thunder Bay’s draft Growth Community Improvement Plan has been released for review, with comments being accepted until June 11.

The Growth CIP is a bold new strategy designed to position Thunder Bay as a competitive, investment-ready city by encouraging industrial and commercial development across the community. By focusing on high-value projects that generate employment and long-term tax assessment, the CIP aims to help Thunder Bay meet its ambitious growth targets and unlock new opportunities.

“The Growth CIP is about thinking bigger,” said Joel DePeuter, Director of Development Services. “It’s a tool to help us attract the kinds of projects that grow our economy, create jobs, and make better use of our employment lands. With this plan, we’re aiming to reduce barriers, offer meaningful incentives, and show that Thunder Bay is ready for investment.”

Unlike traditional CIPs that focus on a small area (like a downtown site) Thunder Bay’s Growth CIP is city-wide and supports broader economic goals. Complementing the existing Housing CIP, which has already accelerated residential development across the city, the Growth CIP will target business expansion, redevelopment of underutilized lands, and new commercial or industrial projects.

"This new program further strengthens the CEDC’s mission to attract strategic investment, support business development, and drive sustainable economic growth” said Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). “We’re pleased to see the City taking steps to position Thunder Bay as a competitive, investment-ready community. We strongly encourage our stakeholders and partners to participate in the public feedback process and help shape the future of our community together."

Highlights of the plan include:

  • Programs to support development-ready employment lands;
  • Tools to reduce risk and encourage reinvestment in former industrial sites;
  • Incentives to help Thunder Bay compete with other jurisdictions across Canada and the U.S.;
  • A focus on increasing population growth, and long-term tax base expansion.

The Draft Plan and a short feedback form are now available at thunderbay.ca/getinvolved. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the plan and share their thoughts by June 11.

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Contact: Joel DePeuter, Director – Development Services, 807-624-8837, joel.depeuter@thunderbay.ca