Thunder Bay researcher says collaboration of groups key to community change

Thunder Bay Counts, a group dedicated to delivering social change in the Ontario city by 'linking' community groups, released its first progress report Monday.

Lead researcher Andrew Taylor said the report identified three common themes- thedesire to build a welcoming community, with a vibrant economy, where everyone has adequate and affordable food and shelter.

Creating a sense ofinclusion was important to many people, he said.

"Ithas to do with people being safe and feeling safe, feeling like they belong," says Taylor, "knowing where they can go to get the help they need for challenges they face and it has to do with addressing racism and other barriers that make people feel excluded."

Taylor said many groups in the city are already working to on these changes, but he believesit's important they continue to research the problems and collaborate on solutions.

Read the report here.