Thunder Bay council starts developing city's strategic plan

Superior Morning4:36Strategic Plan for Thunder Bay

Setting goals. Thunder Bay city councillors brainstormed last night what they'd like to accomplish in the years ahead. We'll hear some of that discussion from city hall.Thunder Bay city councillors have begun setting goals for the current council term and beyond.

At a working-group meeting thats part of developing the city's strategic plan for the next three years, councillors spent time brainstorming what they'd like to see accomplished in the next decade, and what can be done this term.

The Thursday night meeting generated about 70 documented ideas, ranging from growing and diversifying the tax base, to getting more people to use public transit.

For many councillors, like Joe Virdiramo, the economy and revenue generation were top-of-mind.

I think we need to grab the bull by the horn, deal with the most important issues that are going to impact the economy and the citizens of Thunder Bay, he said.

Improving quality of life, keeping tax hikes down, and how to better market Thunder Bay both outside the city, and to residents were also on councillors' minds.

There's something that we need to get from our constituents, other than the money, we need to get their hearts, said Coun. Shelby Ch'ng.

And how do we do that? How do we brand and market ourselves to our constituents so that we retain people and that they are happy and feel fulfilled here?"

Building a 'wish list'

Growing the economy was a common theme that Mayor Keith Hobbs said he heard throughout the night, adding that he was happy with the ideas he and his colleagues generated.

It's basically a wish list, kind of a Christmas wish list tonight, but we'll drill down in how we're going to accomplish that. But I've seen a lot of good ideas already."

Council recently ratified the 2015 budget, which includes a tax levy increase to existing taxpayers of 3.18 per cent. City staff also presented a report that shows the city's population is aging, and, according to the province, is notexpected to see any significant growth in the next 10 years.

• Full coverage:Thunder Bay budget 2015

Councillors will meet two more times this spring to discuss the strategic plan, with input also coming from the public.A draft of the plan is expected in May, with finalization slated forJune.