Vision for Thunder Bay - What is Your Opinion

I am very interested in hearing what YOUR long term vision of Thunder Bay is.
Here is mine . . . . .

THUNDER BAY’S VISION 2020

Thunder Bay should create own future and not have it created for us. It is time to establish a long term vision for our community and have a growth management strategy to accompany the vision for implementation. Community input will be required to establish the long term vision with bi-annual forums held to address changes required or updating to the Vision 2020.

In 2020 Thunder Bay will be the Aboriginal Centre of Canada having all national aboriginal organizations offices located here. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery will truly be the Gallery for Aboriginal Art and continue to host international aboriginal artists’ work. The Aboriginal Heritage Park will be a recognized attraction on the waterfront that people from all over the world come to. During the summer up to 15,000 people attend Pow Wow celebrations.

As we have become an education “College Town” our transit has improved considerably and students can use our city transit to quickly move from their home location to the university and/or college. More and more international students are coming to Thunder Bay attracted to the research and innovation centres we have created from our health sciences sector.

The Waterfront of 53 kms is fully developed with a walkway extending from one end of the city to the other. People of all ages walk, jog, bike to keep their healthy lifestyles along the boardwalk throughout the year. Along with the Aboriginal Park the waterfront attractions include Lake Superior Place with a Country Market, art gallery, location for organizations to hold concerts, an Elevator Museum, and the list goes on. Commercial development is seen along the waterfront with condominiums, a hotel and various boutiques and restaurants. The 53 km is busy year round.

With our high quality of life, new businesses have moved to Thunder Bay. Greening of the city has created a location in Ontario where people have moved to. Thunder Bay is recognized for our sound environmental policies.

The city is vibrant, safe, barrier free with walking trails, commuter trails, hiking areas close to the city that are accessible year round. The strong local businesses provide job training and information through Lakehead University and Confederation College along with other educational institutions. We have two free leash dog parks, one on either side of the city.

Simpson Street has been rejuvenated with new apartment buildings, condominiums, small retail areas, offices. This compliments the new “neighbourhood areas” throughout the city such as Westfort, Fort William, Current River, Heart of the Harbour, etc., which enable residents to walk to their local grocery, library, drug store. Signage identifies the various neighbourhoods and the streets located within the area.

We have become the regional centre for Northwestern Ontario and strengthened our working relationship with the communities of the region.

Culture takes a high priority in the city. Artists of all sectors are recognized and celebrated for their works of art.