City-wide Strategy Aims to Unlock Business Potential

THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Thunder Bay is taking a major step toward becoming a more competitive, investment-ready city. The City has officially released its draft Growth Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and is now calling on residents, stakeholders, and business leaders to share their input ahead of the June 11 feedback deadline.

The draft Growth CIP outlines a bold, city-wide approach to encouraging commercial and industrial development. By focusing on high-value projects that generate employment and expand Thunder Bay’s tax base, the strategy is positioned to fuel long-term prosperity and meet the City’s ambitious growth goals.

“This plan is about thinking bigger,” said Joel DePeuter, Director of Development Services. “We want to attract the kind of investment that creates quality jobs and unlocks the potential of our employment lands. This CIP gives us the tools to reduce development barriers and show that Thunder Bay is open for business.”

Industrial, Commercial Focus Will Complement Housing Growth

While traditional CIPs tend to focus on small, site-specific zones, the Growth CIP applies city-wide. It is designed to complement Thunder Bay’s successful Housing CIP, which has already helped spur new residential construction across the city.

The Growth CIP supports:

• Redevelopment of underutilized commercial and industrial sites;

• Expansion of existing businesses;

• Greenfield development on employment lands;

• And incentives that make Thunder Bay more competitive with other jurisdictions across North America.

“This new initiative aligns perfectly with the CEDC’s mission,” said Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission. “Strategic investment attraction and business development are core to our city’s future. We urge our partners and stakeholders to engage with this process and help shape a stronger Thunder Bay.”

Public Input Open Until June 11

Highlights of the draft Growth CIP include:

• Incentive programs for development-ready employment lands;

• Tools to reduce risk on formerly industrial sites;

• Measures to grow Thunder Bay’s population and increase long-term municipal revenues.

The full plan and an online feedback form are now available at thunderbay.ca/GetInvolved. Residents, business owners, and developers are encouraged to share their thoughts before the June 11 deadline.

For more information, visit the City of Thunder Bay’s engagement platform or contact Development Services directly. Let your voice be part of Thunder Bay’s next chapter of growth.