The City of Thunder Bay has unveiled its new Strategic Plan for the next few years.

City Manager Norm Gale says the document includes three strategic pillars, which together cover all aspects of the city.

Maamawe – All together:

• Strengthen the City’s relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders and organizations to advance Truth and Reconciliation priorities together
• Integrate Indigenous perspectives in City services, programs and places
• Work toward inclusion, diversity, equity and respect for all

Safety and well being:

• Improve access to supports for priority populations to narrow gaps in equity
• Enhance safety and well-being at the community level through climate action and environmental design
• Create and maintain strong neighbourhoods and Indigenized spaces where people connect and engage

Prosperity and sustainability:

• Make it easier to access City services
• Collaboratively create and attractive and supportive environment where people and businesses can flourish
• Take decisive action to respond to the climate emergency
• Support urban density through complete, compact and walkable development

“Elements of quality of life are linked. When we progress in one area, it supports success in another. The Strategic Plan reflects the communities input and is a corporate document intended to guide the work of our departments and divisions.”

The plan came as a result of input through the 2022 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, which asked people to rate the quality of life in Thunder Bay.

This year more than 3200 people participated and completed the survey.

Previous surveys provided satisfaction rates of anywhere between 80 and 95 percent.

“So that’s the good news,” remarked Strategic Initiatives and Engagement Director Tracie Smith at a press conference Tuesday morning. “Unfortunately, the score has been on a downward trend since 2013, and in fact the 2022 rating was the lowest for quality of life that we’ve seen since we began tracking in 2009.”

Among the top three issues residents found need the attention of city council are:

• Crime and Safety
• The Economy
• Community Health and Wellness Issues including social issues

Staff will be presenting the plan to city council Monday, which if adopted will include implementations updates annually for accountability according to Smith.

“Also on an annual basis we’ll be engaging with council to review our progress of the plan, and pay particular attention to any areas where we’re not making any progress.”

Additionally a recommendation will also be before council to extend the plan’s timeline until the end of 2027, one year past the conclusion of the current term of council.