Ontario Construction News staff writer
Thunder Bay city council has approved a news strategic plan. The “Maamawe, Growing Together” plan identifies and provides a framework to achieve top priorities.
“We set out to develop a transformational strategic plan,” said city manager Norm Gale. “This plan builds on the successes of the past and focuses on what matters most to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Thunder Bay.”
“Maamawe, Growing Together” was created using public input, consultation, review, and reflection.
“Our community spoke loudly and clearly. They told us what is most important to them – and what they need from a strategic plan,” said Tracie Smith, Director – Strategic Initiatives & Engagement.
“Citizen surveys, engagement, research, and listening and learning – all of these inputs told us what to prepare for, and how to respond: with a bold and focused strategic plan.”
Goals are divided under three pillars:
- Maamawe – All together. We honour the truth and reconcile for the future.
- Safety and well-being.Our community is healthy, safe, and strong.
- Prosperity and sustainability. We advance a thriving economy and environment.
“Each strategic pillar is connected to the others. Progress in one area supports success in another,” said Gale. Also before Council is a recommendation to extend the Strategic Plan timeline to December 31, 2027, rather than expire with the term of the current City Council. “This will support a seamless transition of strategic priorities while the 2026 Council settles in,” noted Gale.
The strategic plan includes goals and objectives within each strategic pillar to guide internal departments and divisions. Once the plan is adopted by Council, action planning will begin. The action plan will set out milestones, overall time frames, project leads and indicators of success.
