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Community Report 2001-2003

Mayor Lynn Peterson, Co-Chair Ray Riley, Co-Chair

As the new Co-Chair of Fast Fast Forward is the community’s Inside: Forward, it is my privilege to intro- vision for the future and it is the voice duce this report to the community of the citizens of . It was created through a public consultation Quality of Life 2 and to acknowledge the work of the former co-chair, , dur- initiative in the late ‘90s and the out- ing the years it chronicles. We are come was a planning framework com- Our Community Partners 2 pleased to know we can count on plete with strategic directions, goals Ken’s continued support. and objectives. The role of the Fast Forward partner- Celebrating our As I said in my inaugural address to Successes 3 City Council last month, the building ship and steering committee is: blocks are in place like never before • to bring together community groups for a concrete action plan to benefit sharing common interests. Direction Thunder Bay 4 our community. We have: • to share information with and among • Fast Forward, the community devel- various interest groups. opment plan, which has been endorsed by more than 70 community • to report annually to the citizens on organizations. It provides us with a vision and a general blueprint. the community’s progress in achieving Fast Forward’s goals and objec- • the priorities honed by community leaders at the September tives, a sort of "How are we doing?" Economic Summit. • to fine-tune and adjust the planning framework to stay abreast of • an expanding community pride that comes from a series of remarkable the community’s changing needs. achievements including the new hospital, new medical school, • to champion special projects. ’s newest aviation training facility, the university’s new “fully The Fast Forward Steering Committee is not designed nor does it have wired” Advanced Technology and Academic Centre, and this the capacity to take on the complex array of issues that in our communi- community’s designation as a 2003 Cultural Capital of Canada. ty. So who is going to do it? The community owns Fast Forward, and if Mayor’s Economic Summit 5 • a strong, cohesive Thunder Bay team at all levels of government, both we are to achieve success, the community must lead the charge. at the elected and Administrative level, and among community leaders. Solutions will require desire, intellect, energy and commitment from all All the conditions are right to move Thunder Bay Fast Forward now and sectors. Fast Forward has provided the roadmap: the citizens and organi- in the future. We look forward to providing you with even more impres- zations of Thunder Bay have to ensure progress down the endless highway sive progress reports in the years to come. to the vision.

What is Fast Forward? Diversified Economy 6

Fast Forward is Thunder Bay’s community development plan. Fast Forward grew out of an extensive community planning exercise, in which Annual Indicators Report 6 groups of citizens came together to talk about their ideas about our community. From this exercise, grew the plan for Thunder Bay. Fast Forward has completed the first phase of implementation and it is active and growing within our community. Regional Networks 7 Fast Forward carries a vision for Thunder Bay in three strategic directions: Quality of Life, Diversified Economy and Regional Networks. Each of these areas has specific goals and objectives associated with them. Over 70 community groups, organizations and businesses have Regional Innovation Team 7 signed on to the plan and have declared their support to ensure that these strategic directions become a reality in our community.

Looking to the Future 8 Read on - see what Fast Forward and it’s community partners have accomplished from 2001 to 2003.

Vision for a Superior City 8 Sign On. Declare Community Support. Get Involved. 2 Quality of Life: “Thunder Bay will be a healthy community which will foster and promote its unique quality of life.” The Quality of Life Committee has been meeting over Communities Coalition and Marilyn Gouthro of projects and initiatives for Fast Forward and for the part- the past two years and attracts a wide range of partners. Lakehead Public Schools. This committee has been very nership. Here are some examples: It is co-chaired by Paul Filteau of Healthy strong in initiating action and in the development of new

Excerpt from "It’s Time for Risk Watch" by Al Excerpt from "Trails on Road to Enhancements" Excerpt from “Respect and Acceptance of Spiritual Wrightsell, Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Service by Doug Smith, Smith Boshcoff Insurance Ltd. Diversity” by Matthew Diegel, Council of Clergy Assistant Fire Chief (Chronicle-Journal, June (Chronicle-Journal, January 2003) (Chronicle-Journal, December 2002) 2002) That the quality of life in Thunder Bay is "Superior One of the central goals of the Fast Forward plan is by Nature" is clearly reflected within its recreational “Respect and acceptance of spiritual diversity”. The level of safety in any community is related to trail network. Citizens and visitors of all ages and Included in the background discussion to this goal the quality of life of its citizens. Many organizations walks of life frequently use the trails in a variety of were the following themes: respect and acceptance of are putting significant, progressive efforts into ways, from walking and jogging to cycling and in- diverse individual spirituality, recognition of, and improving the safety of our community. One of the line skating. These trails are not only used for recre- cooperation between, the diverse organized faith ational purposes but also for alternative transporta- most concerted and significant in terms of a safe communities, and a greater understanding of both the tion purposes and have a positive impact upon our community now and in the future, is the Risk Watch benefits and problems which religion has contributed northern environment. Program. Risk Watch is a comprehensive injury pre- to in Thunder Bay and the region. Fast Forward Thunder Bay has a Quality of Life vention program for children in preschool through Our community is developing a greater respect and objective that states: "Alternative transportation cor- the eighth grade. acceptance of spiritual diversity than it had in the ridors will be developed by linking existing trail net- It is designed to help children and families create works and building new trails." Stakeholders under- past. Institutional 'pastoral' care, for example, is now safer homes and communities by teaching them the stand that a completed trail network would ultimate- becoming 'spiritual care'. This represents a growing skills and knowledge they need to make positive ly connect all areas of our community with the Trans emphasis on the individual receiving care than on the choices about their personal safety and well being. Canada Trails. However, there are financial realities background of the caregiver. Spiritual care givers The curriculum components address bike and pedes- that require a community strategy. The last time sig- within our hospitals, nursing homes, post-secondary educational settings, and correctional institutions are trian safety, falls prevention, fire and burn preven- nificant trail development occurred it was through mandated by the province, and are committed, to tion, poisoning prevention, choking, suffocation and partnership. walking with clients in their spiritual journey, rather strangulation prevention, motor vehicle safety, The Thunder Bay Recreational Trails Association has been created as a not-for-profit organization with than leading them along certain defined paths. As firearms injury prevention and water safety. a vision to improve and expand the Thunder Bay well, other areas of care giving, such as health and Classroom teachers deliver the program components trails system. This association is dedicated to the social work, are placing increased importance on as part of the school curriculum and all components development, maintenance and promotion of an spiritual care as part of the totality of care. are measured. expanded network of shared-use recreation trails in 'Respect and acceptance of spiritual diversity' is an Thunder Bay and area. As part of the Trans Canada ongoing process. To move forward as a community, Trail system, Thunder Bay will be linked to trails we need to applaud those efforts which support the west and east of the city. These safe trails are to be objective, and to scrutinize those which hinder it. enjoyed by all citizens and visitors and will lead to an Together, we can help Thunder Bay and region to enhanced and unique quality of life. develop. Our Community Partners Association des Francophones du Nord-Ouest Human Resources Development Canada Persons United for Self Help Thunder Bay Emergency Shelter Inc. de l'Ontario Lakehead Association for Community Living (P.U.S.H.) in Thunder Bay Executives Association BDO Dunwoody Lakehead Public Schools Phelps Staffing Resource Centre Thunder Bay Fire Service Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Rene Larson Law Office Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc. Bruno's Contracting Lakehead Social Planning Council Skystream Canada Inc. Thunder Bay Police Services Board Service Smith Boshcoff Insurance Ltd. Thunder Bay Authority Area Management Team LeBrun Northern Contracting TBT Engineering Thunder Bay Public Library CANUSA Travel Information Network Inc. Literacy Northwest The Group Thunder Bay Real Estate Board Children's Aid Society of the District of North Superior Training Board The Arthritis Society Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Thunder Bay Northernsupplier.com The Co-operators, Red River Thunder Bay Safe Communities City of Thunder Bay Northwestern Ontario Development Network Road Branch, Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Ventures Northwestern Ontario District Health Council The Dive Shop Tom Jones Corporation Conseil Scolaire de district catholique Northwestern Ontario Secondary The Lung Association Travelodge Hotel Airlane des Aurores boreales School Students Association Thunder Bay Agricultural and United Way of Thunder Bay Tourism and Economic Division, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Equestrian Corporation Valbay Hotel Ltd. (Valhalla Inn) City of Thunder Bay Northwestern Ontario Technology Association Victoriaville Centre Board of Management EcoSuperior Environmental Programs NorWest Community Health Centres Thunder Bay and District Labour Council Wardrop Engineering Inc. Fort William First Nation Nova-Pro Industrial Supply Ltd. Thunder Bay Business Women’s Network YES Employment Four Frogs Permaculture Design Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board Zero Waste Action Team Genesis Genomics Ontario Native Women’s Association Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Global RnD PARO - A Northwestern Ontario Thunder Bay Council of Clergy Handicapped Action Group Inc. Women's Community Loan Fund Health Unit 3 Celebrating our Successes

How does one know when a process such as Fast Such a committee has been formed. 5. When the plan is recognized by senior govern- Forward has been successful and that it is truly making ments as the community’s direction. a difference? It is a challenging question because the 2. When a large number of groups and agencies are results of broad planning exercises can be hard to mea- ready to support the initiative. • Members of the Fast Forward Partnership met with sure. Here are some of the examples of Fast Forward’s • The list of over 70 partners in Fast Forward is a clear Secretary of State, Andy Mitchell in February 2000. The impact. indication of the many influential groups within the Partnership outlined the process and direction indicated community who are lending their support to ensure the that Fast Forward is Thunder Bay’s blueprint for the 1. When the ideas, values and directions of the plan success of our community development plan. future. Mitchell indicated that FedNor would use Fast begin to inform other work. Forward to shape his agency’s support for the community. 3. When the planning process helps to build rela- • The Regional Networks strategic direction calls for tionships between and among groups which have not 6. When the plan shapes the work of organizations building collaborative relationships with regional com- always acted as allies. with complementary mandates. munities and organizations. Relationships are now much more effective, and working partnerships have • The process involves a wide variety of organizations, is • Thunder Bay Ventures requires that any individual or been established among the Northwestern Ontario non-competing, and is cross-sectorial. As a result, many group seeking Ventures support show how its project Municipal Association, Northwestern Ontario people have come together to work who may never have supports the Fast Forward Directions. Development Network, and the Northwestern Ontario collaborated before. As Fast Forward is altruistic by Associated Chambers of Commerce. nature, often times organizational gains become sec- • The City of Thunder Bay will be using Fast Forward ondary. and the Mayor’s Economic Summit report as the basis • The City’s Tourism and Economic Development for the City’s Strategic Plan. Division has identified as their first goal in their business • The multi-media project has joined human and finan- plan, “To direct the Division’s resources towards proac- cial resources of over twenty organizations solely for the • The City of Thunder Bay makes active reference to the tively achieving the economic diversification goals of promotion and betterment of our community. Fast Forward plan by having its logo on their letterhead. the Fast Forward Community Development Plan.” 4. When people use the insights from the planning • The City of Chatham-Kent refers to Fast Forward as • The implementation plan called for the establishment process to influence the work they do. the model for their community plan. of an advisory committee to Thunder Bay Telephone to “assist in the identification of ideas and opportunities to • Some Fast Forward partners have indicated that they 7. When the plan is something that has never been serve the best long-term interests of the community.” now see new opportunities for partnerships and cooper- done before. ation with other organizations and sectors with who they were • This is the first community plan in the history of previously unfamiliar. Thunder Bay.

Congratulations Thunder Bay! The citizens of Thunder Bay have a lot to be proud of, including:

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is scheduled to early in 2004.

The College is a Centre of Excellence for both and Aviation, and the new Aviation facilities at the Airport are open.

Lakehead University’s new Advanced Technology and Academic Centre is open for business.

We have one of Canada’s highest participation rates in volunteerism.

Steering Committee The Northwestern Ontario Medical School will be accepting applica- The steering committee for 2001-03 was comprised of: tions for 2005. Ray Riley, Co-Chair Thunder Bay Violence Prevention Action Coalition has been formed Mayor Ken Boshcoff, Co-Chair and has pulled together community partners to work towards making Paul Filteau, Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition Thunder Bay a safer place. Ian McCormack, Confederation College Derik Brandt, City of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay was named Cultural Capital of Canada 2003. Marilyn Gouthro, Lakehead Public Schools Blair Smith, BDO Dunwoody LLP Our community is a City of Festivals – Dragonboat, Children’s, Fringe, Summer in the Parks, Bluesfest, Arts Alive and more. Brenda Reimer, Lakehead Social Planning Council Royden Potvin, Thunder Bay Ventures We have top-notch sports – the Chill, Bordercats, Thunderwolves. Margaret Wanlin, Thunder Bay Ventures Lisa Beckwick, Fast Forward Our new Magnus Theatre provides entertainment for all ages. 4 Direction Thunder Bay

The Direction Thunder Bay promotional toolkit is This multi-media package showcases the real designed to help spread the word that Thunder Bay is a opportunities we have to offer. A powerful combina- great place to live, work, study, visit, do business and tion, the tools are being used by community ambas- invest. Fast Forward Thunder Bay and 18 other commu- sadors to: nity partners have produced Direction Thunder Bay, • encourage businesses to invest here which consists of a CD Rom, 14-minute Video, • invite tourists to visit PowerPoint presentation and quarterly • convince students to come and study, and eNewsletter. • entice people to locate here. Community Partners www.city.thunder-bay.on.ca/direction Every person in Thunder Bay has an important role in the success of our community. We have E-Newsletter #1. contact with friends and family elsewhere. We • Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. talk to others on a plane, at a convention or a Find yourself in Thunder Bay! meeting. With each encounter, we make an • Confederation College Your online opportunities newsletter. impression about Thunder Bay. Direction Thunder Bay gives us the tools to promote our • City of Thunder Bay community. We keep in touch with Thunder Bayites when they go to school or to work in • Employment Resource Committee FEATURE: Cultural Capital other communities – and hopefully remind Thunder Bay’s designation as one of five 2003 Cultural Events: them of our city and region. • Fast Forward Thunder Bay Capitals of Canada is “an incredible honour for our munity and a recognition of the great thingsayor that Ken In Thunder Bay, winter com e together,” said M If you are involved in recruiting for your busi- eritage happen when people com s from H means maximum fun. Boshcoff after he received the new culture are Dependable snowfall ness or organization, or are going out of town • FedNor/ Industry Canada munity and creating a sense Canada Minister Sheila Copps. “Arts and reat brings ideal winter sport ic force attracting visitors to our com for business and want to show off Thunder a dynam illiam Historical conditions from ons at Fort W of pride.” The honour also brought funding to support the G Heritage. November to April. Bay, talk to the communications staff at your Rendezvous 200th Anniversary Celebrati • Lakehead Public Schools Park and a unique blend of projects to celebrate our Arts & organization if you are a partner or contact New Faces the City's Tourism & Economic • Lakehead Social Planning Council Welcome Back, Rick! Development Division to borrow a Direction ic Director Rick Potter, Academ on Centre of Excellence Thunder Bay kit (CD, 14-minute video and • Lakehead University Aviati Want to see Confederation College confederationc.on.ca some of the powerpoint presentation) at 625-3960 or rpotter@ best world's ith him over 30 years of experienceorthern O inntario email [email protected] • North Superior Training Board/ Rick brings w curlers? tion, starting out as a bush pilot in N avia orked in nine different ontroller. Rick w They're in Thunder Bay Comité de formation du Nord Supérieur ith Transport ing an Air Traffic C anagement w . then becom oving into m for the Continental Cup and before m eneral Manager of Airport air traffic control units as responsible for 24 November 27 - 30 avCanada. Retiring as the G er role as Canada, later N n for his form Fort William Gardens • Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board avCanada in he w ell know eNewsletter Operations for N muted to separate facilities across three provinces. W e as the first Plan to attend the New 'Find Yourself in Thunder Bay' is pub- Chair of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, Rick com e before returning to Thunder Bay full tim Year's Eve Family Frolic for a tim • Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce est aviation training facility. lished quarterly by the City of Thunder ic Director of Canada’s new Fort William Historical Academ Park December 31. His greatest joy still is flying. Bay in partnership with Fast Forward • Thunder Bay Hydro Are you a student in the The college’s new Aviation Centre of Excellence, conveniently located at Thunder Bay. It’s a voice for success sto- Thunder Bay International Airport, opened for classes in Fall 2003. medicine or health care ries about our enterprising people and field? Tour the new Advanced • Thunder Bay Physician Recruitment lutionary new Thunder Bay Regional FRONTLINE: ATAC GoesThe revo the Distance exciting happenings in Thunder Bay. The ic Centre Health Sciences Centre hnology and Academ Tec niversity and and Retention Council at Lakehead U as part of this year's newsletter is one cornerstone of the (ATAC) hat makes the this Fall. W Mayor's Reception.

opened TAC volutionary? All A December 28. Direction Thunder Bay program, which centre so re • Thunder Bay s are wired to integrate For more, Email: ork classroom keeps in touch with people from ulti-media, and netw Sharon Nummikoski puter, m com ell as linked to Thunder Bay and people who are think- technologies, as w • Thunder Bay Real Estate Board education at Lakehead to be w If ever there were a ing of coming here. l communities. distance education facilitiesng toand allo globa time to visit Thunder ith surroundi THUNDER interactive w Bay, it would be 2004. If you, your family or friends are inter- RTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN MORE OPPO 1 800 668-9360 • Thunder Bay Regional Hospital For information on or call us at: Plan now. ested in viewing or subscribing to this www.city.thunder-bay.on.ca For vis itor information it BAY, vis ly by the City of Thunder Bay in partnership www.VisitThunderBay.com free eNewsletter, • Thunder Bay Telephone ‘Find Yourself in Thunder Bay’ is published quarter or call 1 800 667-8386 with Fast Forward Thunder Bay. It’s a voice for success stories about our enterprising people visit: www.thunderbay.ca/direction and exciting happenings in Thunder Bay. The newsletter is one cornerstone of the Direction Thunder Bay program, which keeps in touch with people from Thunder Bay and people who are thinking of coming here. Contact the City’s Tourism & Economic Development Division at • Thunder Bay Ventures 807 625-3960 for more information or to borrow or buy a Direction Thunder Bay CD, 14-minute video, or complete kit. 5 Mayor’s Economic Summit Priorities Turned into Action Mayor Ken Boshcoff convened an Economic Summit ideas and solutions, it is important to identify the priori- for the City of Thunder Bay on September 30, 2003. ties for action and the individuals and organizations who Over eighty people from the community attended, repre- will champion these priorities. senting small and large business, major institutions, not- At the Summit, the focus was on six main areas: infra- for-profit organizations as well as the City and provin- structure, natural resources/environment, human cial and federal governments. The purpose of the resources, innovation/entrepreneurship, general issues Summit was to reflect on the results of recent planning and tourism. Ideas were generated and criteria were initiatives and to determine priorities for action. The developed to assess the strengths of each of the ideas in City’s Tourism and Economic Development Division in order to select priority issues. The assessment criteria cooperation with Fast Forward Thunder Bay coordinat- included the need to: build on historic competencies, ed this event. It is to be followed by a regional forum to garner local and regional support, respond to global dri- be held in February 2004. vers of change, utilize local resources, create jobs, be Over the past while, there have been a number of plans innovative, create wealth, and allow for step-by-step to revitalize ’s economy or address development. 6. Develop a regional tourism plan. This would long-standing issues. These include: The participants identified 6 key opportunities for the include research and long-term planning for the 1. Ontario Smart Growth: Shape the Future City of Thunder Bay: region and for the various sectors, and the involve- 2. Coalition of Northern Mayors: Embracing the Future 1. Zone Pricing for Electricity in Northwestern ment of a variety of partners in Northwestern 3. Building a Balanced Economy: Fair Wage Proposal Ontario. The goal is to create a competitive environ- Ontario. 4. Industry Canada: Canada’s Innovation Strategies ment to attract and maintain industry by pricing 5. Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers electricity in Northwestern Ontario based on the cost Follow-up will continue on each of these items in the of Commerce: The State of the Economy to produce it (i.e. lower than elsewhere in Ontario). months ahead. By working together as a community, we 6. North Superior Training Board: Local Area Plan This initiative would require a clear implementation can focus our collective energies on priorities and pro- 7. Three Provincial Part Platforms: Northern Solutions plan leading to a policy change by government. jects that will make a difference. 8. Fast Forward Thunder Bay: Community Development Plan 2. Develop and implement a strat- 9. International Environmental Technology Centre: egy for developing the value- Melbourne Principles for Sustainable Cities added forest products sector.

Although many of these have been formed on common 3. Develop a strategy to increase trades training, apprenticeships and mentoring in order to enhance, maintain, and increase taking care of business skills to match industry needs with a focus on youth and people re-entering the workforce. In order to do this, the community must be coordinated, focused and committed to working together in this direction.

4. Incubate and invest in busi- What is business retention and expansion? nesses generated at br+e is a City of Thunder Bay Tourism & Economic Development Confederation College and volunteer - driven initiative that promotes job growth by helping Lakehead University. This would local businesses identify concerns and barriers they face by involve community partners such addressing and evaluating their needs.

as the City, education, govern- How br+e works?

ment, and business working br+e trains volunteers to conduct confidential surveys with local together to develop facilitation business owners and managers to pin point business concerns, mechanisms and an investment and development opportunities. gap strategy. The results from these surveys will be reviewed and summarized by a Task Force, who will then identify key issues facing our 5. Develop a strategy for using the local business community. An action plan will be developed medical school and the hospitals from the results and presented to the community at a public as economic engines. This could meeting. Implementation teams will then be established to put

be done by leveraging assets from the strategy in motion. br+e and the City of Thunder Bay - the medical school, college and we are taking care of business. Tourism & Economic Development university and with the support of our community. For more information on br+e, call the Tourism & Economic Tourism & Economic Development gratefully acknowledges Development Division of the City of Thunder Bay at the support of 625-3960 or email [email protected] 6 Diversified Economy "Thunder Bay will create a positive climate for businesses, institutions and employees, in order to develop a diversified, growing economy driven by a world class information technology network and a highly skilled and developed human resource base." There are encouraging signs of economic diversity activity and growth. One of Fast Forward’s attributes is opportunities. The following are some examples of our occurring in Thunder Bay. Biotechnology, education, that the Partnership brings groups of people together to community initiatives: medicine, forestry and aviation are emergent clusters of deal with these multi-faceted community and regional

Excerpt from "PARO Nurtures Women in Excerpt from "Musings on the Forestry Striding Forward Conference Business" by Rosalind Lockyer of PARO Industry" by Ray Riley, Fast Forward Co- (May 2002) (Chronicle-Journal, July 2003) Chair (Chronicle-Journal, August 2003)

A vibrant contributor to Thunder Bay and One of the Strategic Directions of Fast Fast Forward Thunder Bay and the region’s economic diversity, PARO, a part- Forward is Diversified Economy. Contained Northwestern Ontario Technology Centre ner with Fast Forward, is a catalyst and nur- within that strategic direction are goals for were partners in organizing the Striding turer of many regional initiatives. One of the community economic development and the Forward conference held in May 2002. This largest peer lending organizations in promotion of a forest region of excellence. event focused on how to create vibrant and Canada, PARO has helped hundreds of busi- A cycle of change within the Industry has healthy communities for people to live, work nesses get started and supports a regional begun, with the softwood lumber tariff being and play. Gerald Offet, President of Prince network of 30 groups, constantly partners the immediate driver. We may see a second George Development Corporation and Austin with many organizations including five cycle of change as Industry accommodates Beggs, Marketing Manager with Community Futures Development itself to the realities of a tighter wood supply. ’s Innovation Plan, shared their Corporations (CFDC). PARO, Latin for "to The Industry that eventually emerges will by communities’ experiences as they faced eco- make ready, to prepare, to provide", started definition be better able to compete globally – nomic hardships, corporate downsizing and in 1995 as a women’s community loan fund. this will probably demand larger mills and government cutbacks, and how they turned Today PARO, supports close to 700 mem- leading-edge technology. While the revital- their difficulties into opportunities. Over 80 bers, and continues to grow small business- ized primary Industry will unfortunately pro- local and regional community leaders partici- es by providing women with training, small vide for fewer jobs, the opportunity to more pated in this conference to share their knowl- loans, plus opportunity for marketing, net- than replace any lost employment is there for edge and expertise while discussing common working and mentoring. PARO provides the taking at the secondary issues and challenges facing Canadian com- group training in Thunder Bay and the level. However, success at the secondary level munities in general, and Thunder Bay specifi- region, plus offers "on-line computerized requires vision and leadership. cally. The goal of Striding Forward was to opportunities" for those who find it difficult stimulate new thinking on directions and to visit the training centres. opportunities for our environment.

Annual Indicators Report

A series of indicators has been developed to measure indicators report to educate themselves about trends and our progress as a community on an annual basis. evaluate how their own actions may improve sustain- Many communities are finding indicators to be helpful ability. in answering the question: “Are our efforts moving us To provide the Indicators Committee with a framework toward achieving our goals?” The Fast Forward partner- for the selection process of indicators, the following ship believes that our indicators are an important aspect principles have been utilized: of the annual progress report to City Council. These indicators provide an overall picture of the status of 1. Indicators must be recognized as accurate, objective Thunder Bay’s sustainability in terms of its quality of and reliable. life and diversified economy. The indicators include a 2. Indicators must be regularly available from secondary range of information about economic, environmental, sources. social conditions, health and demographic data in our 3. Indicators must measure some aspect of the Fast community, which can then be used to make judgements Forward plan. about whether the community is making progress 4. Indicators must measure something around which towards our goals. Evidence of positive advancement is community action can be taken. important to substantiate past expenditures on initiatives and creating support for new ones. Evidence of a lack of Selecting the individual indicators and how they are sustainability can provide a catalyst for community reported is not a simple process. There are many differ- groups to take action and to demand more action from ent factors to consider, but we hope the annual indicators local government, other levels of government , or the pri- review will provide the impetus for growth and change vate sector. Members of the community can also use the in our community. 7 Regional Networks “Thunder Bay will work with its partners in Northwestern Ontario to develop mutually supportive relationships, which will strengthen the region.” Strengthening regional networks involves building rela- throughout Northwestern Ontario and working together ples of proactive, capacity building partnerships: tionships and partnerships with people and organizations for the betterment of all. The following are some exam-

Except from "Regional Networks and Training Excerpt from "Regional Networks Lead Through Information Technology Successes Recognized Boards Play Crucial Role" by Frank Pullia, North Learning" by Ian McCormack, Vice-President, (May 2002, 2003) Superior Training Board Co-Chair (Chronicle- Confederation College (Chronicle-Journal, November Journal, June 2003). 2003). As part of Canada’s Information Technology (IT) The North Superior Training Board / Comité de for- One of the goals of Fast Forward is to enhance the quali- Week celebrations the Northwestern Ontario mation du Nord Supérieur mandate is to direct the ty of life of our people and organizations through life long Technology Association, the Northwestern Ontario planning and the delivery of federal and provincial learning and the creation and enhancement of learning Technology Centre and Fast Forward Thunder Bay training programs to make job and skills training more resources and facilities. The achievement of this goal and created the Community Information Technology accessible, effective and responsive to local needs. the realization of Fast Forward’s vision will be in part done Hero Award to recognize local and regional indi- The goal of the Board is to help identify the skills in through regional partnerships that will create capacity, viduals who have assisted their communities in a our community which can translate into jobs. The role strength, and result in education and learning partnerships significant way through the use or application of of training boards is becoming more crucial in light of that are learner-centred and relevant to the people of information technology. This celebration of inno- issues such as youth out-migration, an aging popula- Northwestern Ontario and Thunder Bay. Such partnerships vation and community spirit has honoured seven tion, downsizing and restructuring in the resource- are growing across our community and our region and are people over the past two years. based economy of the north, and the transition to a encompassing school boards, Confederation College, In October 2002, Gaylen Duncan, President of knowledge-based economy. All of these issues are of Indigenous Studies, Lakehead the information technology Association of Canada now coming to bear on the Northern economy and University, aboriginal learning institutions and education delivered a presentation on the future of while, in the past, the main role of the training boards providers nationally and globally. These partnerships are Information Technology and the opportunities for was one of training for new jobs, we are now also forward looking and rooted in tangible results. economic diversification in Thunder Bay. The dealing with adjustment issues at the broader commu- Through visionary, learner-centred partnerships that bring number of IT firms in Thunder Bay has increased nity level (i.e. shut-downs, plant closures, layoffs, together our education capacity and focus it on the eco- significantly from 57 companies in the year 2000 etc.). A crucial part of the new role is to identify nomic and social future of our community, the opportuni- to 145 in 2002. Much of this success can be attrib- emerging issues and through partnerships with other ties for life long learning for the people of the Northwest uted to strong collaborative efforts in this sector. community-based agencies, take proactive action. will be extraordinary. Regional Innovation Team

“In the new, global knowledge economy of the 21st Innovation is vital to the growth and development of the • Customize innovation objectives to meet the needs century prosperity depends on innovation, which, in Northwestern Ontario economy and to its regional, of Northwestern Ontario turn, depends on the investments that we make in the national and international competitiveness. As a result • Link with groups which can lobby for support creativity and talents of our people. We must invest not of this need to foster innovation, the Northwestern • Build on existing strengths and institutions only in technology and innovation but also, in the Ontario Innovation Team was formalized in the spring of in the region Canadian way, to create an environment of inclusion, in 2003. Fast Forward acts a catalyst in bringing key play- • Maintain connections with provincial, national which all can take advantage of their talents, ers from the region together to: and international developments in order to leverage their skills and their ideas.” • Develop a seamless approach to support the process this knowledge for the benefit of the region The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, from innovation to commercialization • Identify and take on specific projects. Prime Minister of Canada • Foster collaboration among the key players

*Access to Capital *Strategic community planning & development * Business Counselling and Information Services

Through our community development plan, city and regional networks formed and have realized the following accomplishments: • Northwestern Ontario Investment Pool • Bio-tech-Education-Medical Cluster • Aviation Centre of Excellence • Artisan sector development • Waterfront development steering committee • Regional support and leadership • Local Economic Development Support

For more information see www.tbventures.on.ca “The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Team fosters innovation and recognizes Box 10116, 1294 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6 its importance to the growth and development of our economy.” 807-768-6650 Fax: 807-768-6655 Email: [email protected] 8

Looking to the Future We need your help Fast Forward is continuing to pull together community to promote partners to think, plan and take action together. Fast Forward will work to encourage partners and community Thunder Bay! agencies to implement our community development plan in order to make our quality of life, diversified economy, ‘Find Yourself in Thunder Bay’ and regional networks into stronger realities for our com- is published quarterly by the City of munities. During the past two years of implementation, Thunder Bay in partnership with Fast Fast Forward has made significant progress. During the next two years, the plan is to ensure that the momentum Forward Thunder Bay. It’s a voice for that has been created is not only maintained, but taken to success stories about our enterprising the next level. people and exciting happenings in Thunder Bay. The newsletter allows us The guiding principles for Fast Forward will continue to be: to keep in touch with people from The City of Thunder Bay is part of, and works in Thunder Bay, who are now living else- partnership with the region of Northwestern Ontario where, and people who are thinking of productive linkages at the intersection of business, gov- Thunder Bay is a tourism gateway for the North ernment, education, and community. We need to build coming here. For a free subscription, please visit: Innovation is vitally important to our future vital, resilient economic communities in turbulent times." Fast Forward is a model of how we can create these link- www.thunderbay.ca/direction and Community pride is critical to our success ages to build and maintain a vital community here in E-New sle tter #1. www.c email this address ity.thund er-bay .on.ca/d Find yourself in Thunder Bay! irection Thunder Bay. Your o nline op Collective cooperative action does make a difference portunitie s ne wsletter. Fast Forward will be helping our community to think to others who FEATURE: Thu Cultural Capital A community culture which values sustainability. nder Ba C y’s d esi apitals gnation o c f Canad as one o ommun a is “an f five 20 might be interested. i ahead, to identify challenges and opportunities, and to ity and a ncredib 03 Cultu ha re le h ral ppen wh cognitio onour B en peo n of the for our oshco ple co grea ff after me toge t things he th th Canada receive er,” said at Ministe d the ne Mayor r w K a dynam Sheila C s from H en ic force opps. “A eritage of p attra rts an Even ride.” Th cting vis d cultu ts: r Ren e honou itors to o e are learn from the experiences of others. We will continue to dezvou r also b ur com s 20 roug mun Pa 0th ht fu ity a In rk and Annive nding nd crea Thund Together, we can let a u rsa to ti e nique b ry Cele support ng a sen r Bay, w Doug Henton, President of Collaborative Economics lend of brations the Gre se means m inter p a a rojects t Fort W t aximum to il fu cele liam Dep n. bra His en New te our A torical dable sn Face rts & b owfall s Heritag rings ide e. al win te con r spo encourage community pride, celebrate our successes, and ditions fro rt m

Welc Novemb om er to e Back, April. and author of "Grassroots Leadership" delivered the Rick P Rick! o tter, A the world know that cad Avi emi ation Ce c Direc C ntre of tor onfedera Excellen t c rp ion Col e otter@c lege o share the Thunder Bay message with citizens both at nfedera t i R onc.on. ick bring ca s with h keynote address at Fast Forward’s Community and t aviation im over hen bec , startin 30 years air oming a g out as of expe traffic co n Air Tr a bush rience C ntrol u affic Co pilot in in Thunder Bay is a a n n nada, l its befo troller. Norther Wan ater re m Ric n On t to s Oper NavCan oving in k worke tario ee ations f ada. Re to man d in nin some home and far and away. We will work to follow up on the or N tirin agem e dif of th s av g e fe e eparate Canada as the G nt with rent facili in C ener Trans world Ch ties a entra al M port 's be air o cross l Can anage st f the Lak three pr ada he r of Airp curle w Leadership Conference in September 2002. In his o Ottaw ehead R vinces. as resp ort The rs? a for a t egion C Well kn onsible y're in T im on ow fo hu e r Academ before servatio n for hi 24 for th nder Ba ic Direc returnin n Autho s former e Con y His tor o g to T rity, R role tinen gre f C hu ick as tal C atest anada nder com Nove up. joy still ’s newe Bay full muted t mber 27 great place to live, is st tim o - 3 flyin avia e a F 0 recommendations of the Mayor’s Economic Summit and g tio s ort W Th . n train the first illiam e c in olle g faci Gard ge’s new lity. ens Th A under B viation address, Doug Henton stated that, "Civic entrepreneurs a C y In en Pla ternatio tre of Ex n to atte nal Airp cellence nd the ort, ope , conve Year's E New F ned for c niently lo ve Fam RO las cate ily F NTL ses in Fa d at Fort Willia rolic INE: A ll 2003 m Histo T . to ensure that our community’s priorities are turned into AC Park D rical G e oes th cember 3 e D 1. work, and play! The istan are a new generation leaders who forge new, powerfully revolu ce A t T ionary n re you a echnolo ew Adva student in gy and A nced medicin the c e (ATAC) a ademic or health t C fie c Lake entre ld are ope head U ? Tour th ned nive e n th rsi ew t Th action. is Fall. W y and under B ce h a nt at y R re so re makes t H egiona volutio he ealth S l classro nary? A ciences C om ll A a e s a TA s p ntre co re wired C art of th distan mputer to inte is year's c , g M e e m ra a ducatio te ulti-med te yor's Re n c i c interac faciliti hnolog a, and n D eption. tive es ies, et ec with su to allow as well work ember 2 rrou edu as l 8. F nding a cation a inked to For m or nd t L ore inf gl ak , E ormatio obal com ehead to mail: n on mu be Sha BAY, vi MORE nities. ron Num sit w OPP mik ww.c ORT oski ity.thun UNITIES der- AV ‘Fin bay.o AILA d Yourse n.ca o BLE IN w lf in Thu r call THU ith Fast nder Ba us at: NDER If ever Fo y’ 1 th a rward T is publi 800 ere w nd exciti hunder shed qu 668-9 tim ere a ng Bay art 3 Th happe . It’s a erly by 60 e to v under nings in voice fo the Cit isit Th B T r y ay hu suc of T un are program nder Ba cess sto hunder Bay, it w der thinkin , which y. The n ries abo Bay in ou g of com keeps ewslett ut our partner ld be 2 807 in in er i ent ship 0 625-3 g here. touch w s one co erprisin Plan n 04. 960 for m Contac ith peo rnersto g peopl ow. 14 t th ple ne e -minute ore info e City’ from T of the F video, rmatio s Touris hunder Directi or vis n m o or comp or to bo & Eco Bay and n itor in lete kit rrow o nomic D people forma . r buy a evelop who www.V tion Directio ment D isitThu n iv T i n h sio de under B n at or c rBay.co ay CD, all 1 80 m 0 667 -8 Vision for a Superior City 386 On the extraordinary shores of , Thunder Bay, rich in people and resources, connects to the region of Northwestern Ontario and to the world. Affordable and accessible quality of life, respect for diversity, safe neighbourhoods and economic opportunities make Thunder Bay a healthy community in which to live, work and play together. Contact Us: Fast Forward Thunder Bay Tel. 807.768.6650 c/o Thunder Bay Ventures Fax. 807.768.6655 Box 10116, 1294 Balmoral St. Email: [email protected] Thunder Bay, ON www.fastforwardthunderbay.com P7B 6T6

Lisa Beckwick, Fast Forward Coordinator