THUNDER BAY – The benefits of mining are real. Population growth and new citizens are real. The economic opportunities that await Thunder Bay are real.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff delivered those words Monday as part of his state of the city address titled All roads lead to Thunder Bay.
“We are poised to become a mining powerhouse, and are positioned as a rising force in the mining industry,” Boshcoff said.
“Our Community Economic Development Commission is actively working with companies to bring them to Thunder Bay. They are also helping existing companies capitalize on opportunities for growth.
“New discoveries of critical minerals and a strong shift towards a Canadian and Ontario made battery supply chain have fuelled interest worldwide. We must continue to diversify our economy, growing employment opportunities, and promoting the health and wellness of everyone living in our city. People need to see a future here, and we need to provide them with the right things for them to stay.”
The mayor also highlighted the strong 2023 for the Port of Thunder Bay, and added that cargo volumes are expected to increase by over a million tonnes in 2024, which would equate to a 20 per cent rise.
“Last year’s cruise season hosted 14 ship visits, nearly double the number of calls compared to the previous year, and 2024 is slated to be the best year yet. We plan to welcome more ships and more visits than ever before. Five different ships will visit our port a total of 17 times.
“This means that thousands of passengers will be spending more time and money in our city. Local suppliers will service and re-supply these vessels when they’re in port.”
Housing was also in the speech -- with Boshcoff highlighting the nearly $21 million over three years announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau through the Housing Accelerator Fund.
The city had initially lobbied Ottawa for over $45 million but to their knowledge, all awards to large and medium-sized municipalities were adjusted downwards due to high interest in the funding stream.
“We have an aggressive target of 1,691 housing units in three years which we will meet. Work is well underway to achieve that including preparing an incentive framework, hiring two Housing Accelerator Coordinators, and establishing the Mayor’s Task Force on Building More Homes.
“From updating our zoning bylaw, to expanding our online building permit applications, we have been laying the groundwork for system changes well before this type of funding was even available. Now this funding will allow us to do more faster.”
Boshcoff gave credit to Thunder Bay's provincial and federal politicians for their “exceptional cooperation, advocacy for programs and financial assistance.”
He added: “Thunder Bay, like many other municipalities in Canada, faces significant challenges with homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We invite all orders of government to come to the table to help us find solutions to help alleviate pressure on public health and social services.
“As decision-makers, we must prioritize our collaborative efforts to tackle these crises effectively. We face complex issues, but evidence-based strategy and community collaboration can pave the way to positive change.”
Boshcoff plans to give another city update in the fall of 2024.
