Just North Enough

BUSINESS IN FOCUS 1

Just North Enough

AS FEATURED IN BUSINESS IN FOCUS CANADA SEPTEMBER 2013 2 SEPTEMBER ISSUE | 2013

Just North Enough

Written by Anne Lindert-Wentzell

In 1882, a man by the name of John Ferguson got off a train at the northeastern bay of Lake Nipiss- ing, Ontario. A settler looking for a place to call home, Ferguson saw the potential in the landscape before him. He purchased acreage, built his homestead and witnessed the influx of settlers into the area. Unwittingly, he had established the settlement now known as the City of North Bay.

ne hundred and thirty years and 54,000 residents later, the City of North Bay continues to grow and diversify. North Bay is committed to building its profile as the place to do business Oand enjoy excellent quality of life in a city of unlimited opportunity. A Hub of Activity Known as the “Gateway City” because of its strategic location, North Bay is a transportation and telecommunications hub with a well-developed, efficient transportation infrastructure. This includes highways – the east-west artery of the Trans-Canada runs through North Bay; two national rail lines; two fibre optics networks – the third largest in Ontario after Toronto and Ottawa; and one of the largest airports in the country. BUSINESS IN FOCUS 3

“We’re at the crossroads of north, south, east and west,” ex- capabilities for Canadian, American and international markets. plains North Bay’s Mayor, Al McDonald. “We’re the only city “We are one of only four 10,000 foot runways in the province in northern Ontario that has a four-lane highway to Toronto.” of Ontario,” Mayor McDonald adds. The airport’s offerings Completed last year, this four-lane project acts as a corridor to are branded as YYB.ca and present a unique opportunity for central and southern Ontario, enabling an easy drive to Greater businesses to own or lease land right on a runway capable of Toronto Metropolitan area in just three hours. landing almost anything that flies.

North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport has a runway built to military North Bay also boasts a number of terminals for trucking, cartage standards – the airport is home to the North American Air and national courier companies, as well as two major bus lines Defense Command (NORAD) and served as a fighter squad- providing express and passenger service. The city is less than a ron base for many decades. The airport and surrounding lands day’s drive to over 100 million consumers in both Canada and are now fully municipally-owned, and the airport’s function- the United States. ality and strategic location allow for expedient import/export At The Empire our seniors have the freedom and focus to enjoy their lives and their health in their own home! • The largest selection of room styles at prices less than • A multitude of activities available giving you the you might expect option of as much or as little activity as you wish • Accommodations that suit everyone’s needs and finan- • All rates are inclusive of utilities, 3 meals served daily, cial situation, the apartment is always your own 24 hour staff with emergency call system, weekly house- • A lifestyle where you are treated well and your choices keeping, a caring staff and much more are respected as an individual, allowing you and your • Pet friendly family to get back to visiting The Empire 425 Fraser Street North Bay, ON P1B 3X1 705-474-9555 Website: www.theempire.ca Email: [email protected] Liz Brazeau, Outreach Manager

130 Fax (705) 474 9827 [email protected]

Empire_full_page_210mm_297mm_BIF_Sept.indd 1 21/08/2013 10:04 BUSINESS IN FOCUS 5

“We’re at the crossroads of north, south, east and west… the only city in northern Ontario that has a four lane highway to Toronto.”

A Vital Service North Bay’s municipal Economic Development Corporation De- There are no mines in North Bay, but the city’s Mining Supply partment also partners with Ontario’s North Economic Devel- and Services sector remains a strong and essential component opment Corporation (ONEDC). Its mandate is to promote and to the area’s economy. The sector relies heavily on the city’s implement initiatives to further develop the economy of the strategic and cost effective location. “We’re becoming known Mining and Supply Sector in northern Ontario. The province re- as a centre of excellence in the Mining Service and Supply in- cently invested over $600,000 in support of the ONEDC’s export dustry,” notes Mayor McDonald. “North Bay is home to close assistance program. The program will aid cities such as North to a dozen multi-nationals including industry leaders such as Bay in promotion and expansion into international markets. Redpath, Cementation and Atlas-Copco. There are nearly 70 firms in our area involved in the Mining Supply and Services in- Encouraging Economic Diversification dustry, representing an economic output of an estimated $0.7 Other sectors propelling North Bay’s economy forward include a billion for our local economy.” sustainable mix of commercial, industrial and institutional operations, as indicated by the recent record-breaking construction projects within these sectors. With its diversity of small to medi- “North Bay continues to grow um-sized businesses in the area, North Bay is not as vulnerable to economic downturns as other one-industry communities in by encouraging local expan- northern Ontario. At The Empire our seniors have the sions and by attracting new compatible companies.” With a rich, diverse economy, North Bay can boast that it is a freedom and focus to enjoy their lives business and expansion-friendly environment. “North Bay con- and their health in their own home! 5 Commerce Cresent • North Bay, ON • CANADA • • The largest selection of room styles at prices less than A multitude of activities available giving you the P. 705 472-0430 • F. 705 472-5153 • E. [email protected] you might expect option of as much or as little activity as you wish • Accommodations that suit everyone’s needs and finan- • All rates are inclusive of utilities, 3 meals served daily, cial situation, the apartment is always your own 24 hour staff with emergency call system, weekly house- • A lifestyle where you are treated well and your choices keeping, a caring staff and much more are respected as an individual, allowing you and your • Pet friendly J & J Machine Works has been a steady member of the North Bay business community for over 45 years. Their expertise revolves around custom and multi-part machining, metal fabrication and equipment family to get back to visiting The Empire manufacturing for the mining, construction, forestry, municipal, industrial and commercial sectors. 425 Fraser Street North Bay, ON P1B 3X1 Their Long Tom Drill Carrier has played a substantial part in the the improvement of production and 705-474-9555 safety in narrow vein mining and tunnelling operations within Canada and in numerous markets through- Website: www.theempire.ca out the world. Email: [email protected] Liz Brazeau, Outreach Manager J & J Machine Works has a mechanical assembly / refurbishing division with extensive experience re- building equipment and components for their mining, forestry and construction clientele.

130 Fax (705) 474 9827 [email protected] www.jjmachineworks.com

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“North Bay is home to close to a dozen multi-nationals including industry leaders such as Redpath, Cementation and Atlas-Copco.”

tinues to grow by encouraging local expansions and by attract- offsetting operating and capital project costs. ing new compatible companies,” Mayor McDonald explains. North Bay’s industrial firms have been very successful because of For the city of North Bay, the health of the economy is as much their diversified offerings, producing high margin, low volume, dependent on the survival of existing business as it is on attract- and well-engineered products that are created for an expanding ing new business. For this reason, North Bay’s Business Retention global market. “We’ve been very fortunate that we have been and Expansion Program (BR&E) in partnership with the North able to use our local businesses as our champions to seek out Bay and District Chamber of Commerce promotes initiatives to additional business.” strengthen and sustain existing businesses in the city. The ap- proach is a proactive one in that the BR&E inquires about chal- Open for Business lenging issues facing these businesses. Its visitation program The North Bay City Council has reduced industrial taxes by 66 aims to resolve and alleviate these concerns. percent, one of the lowest rates in Ontario. The city has also elim- inated Industrial Development charges and offers municipally North Bay’s unique Development Application Review Team serviced industrial acreage at very competitive rates. (DART) process cuts through the red-tape of the development application process. The team, which is composed of represen- The introduction of North Bay’s 20-year Commercial Tax Reduc- tatives from every city department and other external agencies tion Program has provided an additional incentive for growth such as the Ministry of Transportation, North Bay Hydro and the within this sector, providing a competitive operating cost en- local Conservation Authority meet bi-weekly to review propos- vironment. North Bay’s Financial Incentive programs also aid in als and provide feedback regarding development applications BUSINESS IN FOCUS 7

A SKILLED AND PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE Canadore College With three campuses, North Bay’s Canadore College is one of the fastest growing colleges in Ontario. Founded in 1967, the college offers applied arts and technology programs to over 3500 full- time students each year. The College recently added a new $2.5 million Hospitality and Tourism Centre. Its focus is on program and service excellence, connection to community, sustainability and innovation. Other notable projects include a new 6 storey, 265 bed residence, an expanding aviation campus and the recent opening of iCamp – the college’s Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Production.

Nipissing University This 720 acre campus overlooking Lake Nipissing is a liberal arts undergraduate institution whose residences are rated Canada’s best according to the Globe and Mail. Because of the relatively small class size and intimate campus setting, undergraduates are given the opportunity to work with faculty in research and as teaching assistants, an opportunity granted only to graduate students at most universities. The university plays a positive role in the educational, cultural and economic community of North Bay. 8 SEPTEMBER ISSUE | 2013

“The city recognized immigration efforts as a priority in 2006 when it launched the North Bay Newcomer Network.”

in order to identify any issues or requirements as part of its ap- proval process. DART is a one-stop system that according to the Mayor “has been a proven winner for the City and continues to make doing business in North Bay that much easier.”

The Need for Expansion North Bay’s success in attracting and retaining businesses in the industrial sector has facilitated the need to construct new industrial parks in the city. With industrial parks offering fully serviced land with a choice of location and size of land parcel, it’s an opportunity for any new or expanding business to consider what North Bay has to offer.

The city’s newest employment area is its Airport Industrial Busi- Miller_Waste_QP_BIF_Sept.pdf 1 02/08/2013 16:31 ness Park, which opened in June 2013. With more than 1,000 acres of municipally owned lands at the airport and $6 million spent on the project since 2011, 114 acres are now fully-serviced, with Take The Canadian Road water, sewer, hydro, natural gas and telecommunications. “The city offers tax breaks and will waive planning and permit fees for With Miller Waste Systems new and expanding operations under its Airport Community Im- Recycling for the Future...Today provement Plan, (ACIP),” Mayor McDonald notes. The ACIP’s goals include, but are not limited to, fostering growth in the aerospace and aviation sectors, the stimulation of sustainable and compatible development, the generation of new employment opportunities, and the assurance that North Bay remains competitive in attracting new investment.

According to a recent FedNor study, North Bay’s Airport ranks first among 13 comparative airports in northern and southern Ontario, Composting for its excellent condition and over $300 million in airside assets. IC&I collection and disposal Material Recovery Facilities (MRF’s) Encouraging Immigration Municipal waste and recycling collection Statistics Canada projects that by 2026, 100 percent of Canada’s

SWA NA Member growth will be dependent on immigration. North Bay real- izes that an immigration strategy is fundamental to economic SO L I D WAS T E ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF Waste NORTH AMERICA Management RECYCLING COUNCIL Association OF ONTARIO ACTIVE MEMBER growth and population challenges. The city encourages im- 70 Couchie Industrial Road migration, especially to support skilled and professional trades, North Bay, ON, P1B 8G5 through channels such as the North Bay Newcomer Network. Telephone: (705) 475-9827 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.millergroup.ca “The city recognized immigration efforts as a priority in 2006 when it launched the North Bay Newcomer Network,” Mayor BUSINESS IN FOCUS 9

REVAMPING NORTH BAY’S MEMORIAL GARDENS Built 60 years ago, North Bay’s Memorial Gardens will be showing off a new face at a cost of $12 million for extensive renovations now underway. The Gardens will be more than a hockey arena (and the new home of the North Bay Battalion OHL team). With a seating capacity of 4,000, the new Gardens will generate both revenue and jobs. “If we’re going to attract tournaments, conventions and concerts we need this type of sporting infrastructure in our city,” says Mayor McDonald. North Bay recently opened the $11 million dollar Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex in the city’s south end, featuring 3 ball diamonds and 3 full-sized FIFA stan- dard soccer/football fields – 2 of which are constructed with a state-of-the-art artificial surface. These facilities have prompted the city to pursue a Sports Tourism strategy to capitalize on these new assets.

“Memorial Gardens is more than just a hockey rink… we see it not only as bringing a business into town, [an OHL team] that has close to 20 employees, but it’s also going to allow us to host other major sporting events… What we’ve done is brought the Gardens into today’s age.” 10 SEPTEMBER ISSUE | 2013

McDonald says. The goal of the Network has been to develop the tourism industry, providing accommodations, shopping, res- and implement strategies to attract, integrate and retain new- taurants, recreation and entertainment. comers to North Bay. “We recognize, as in other cities, that there is going to be a skilled labour shortage. We need to allow our North Bay’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan (DCIP) businesses… to attract the skills and talent required in order to has invested over $44 million to refurbish the city’s downtown, continue to be successful.” making it more attractive not only to tourists but also for business and residential projects. Included in the Improvement Plan Through the efforts of the North Bay Newcomer Network and is the $29 million waterfront development showcasing a public the endorsement received from the City of North Bay, an immi- marina, boardwalk and beautiful gardens, surrounded by a clean, grant settlement agency was established. The North Bay &Dis- safe and inviting city. trict Multicultural Centre opened its doors in 2008 with funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. “Since then, the Mul- Mayor McDonald has a clear vision for North Bay’s future. “We rec- ticultural Centre and the City have been leading immigration ini- ognize, and the studies all show, that within 30 years, 70 percent tiatives that have caught the eye of other cities in the province of the population of Canada is going to live in cities of 100,000 or and in Canada.” more. We want to continue to grow and provide the amenities that our citizens want and the amenities that allow us to con- Investing in Tourism tinue to attract business… what I see is a successful vibrant city The city’s proximity to southern Ontario, northwestern Quebec where there are opportunities for everyone.” and the United States allows for easy access to travelers and offers a number of urban and rural outdoor activities to enjoy along the way.

There are numerous businesses in North Bay that participate in BUSINESS IN FOCUS 11 12 SEPTEMBER ISSUE | 2013

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City of North Bay Take The Canadian 200 Mcintyre St East Road North Bay, ON, Canada, P1B 8H8 With Miller Waste Systems Recycling for the Future...Today P: 705-474-0400 At The Empire our seniorsE: [email protected] the freedom and focus to enjoywww.cityofnorthbay.ca their lives and their health in their own home! • The largest selection of room styles at prices less than • A multitude of activities available giving you the you might expect option of as much or as little activity as you wish • Accommodations that suit everyone’s needs and finan- • All rates are inclusive of utilities, 3 meals served daily, cial situation, the apartment is always your own 24 hour staff with emergency call system, weekly house- • A lifestyle where you are treated well and your choices keeping, a caring staff and much more are respected as an individual, allowing you and your • Pet friendly family to get back to visiting Composting The Empire 425 Fraser Street IC&I collection and disposal North Bay, ON P1B 3X1 705-474-9555 Material Recovery Facilities (MRF’s) Website: www.theempire.ca Email: [email protected] Municipal waste and recycling collection Liz Brazeau, Outreach Manager

www.theempire.ca www.jjmachineworks.com www.nipissingu.ca/researchSWA NA Member 130 Fax (705) 474 9827 [email protected]

SO L I D WAS T E ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF Waste NORTH AMERICA Management RECYCLING COUNCIL Association OF ONTARIO ACTIVE MEMBER

70 Couchie Industrial Road North Bay, ON, P1B 8G5 Telephone: (705) 475-9827 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.millergroup.ca

Empire_full_page_210mm_297mm_BIF_Sept.indd 1 www.dynonobel.com21/08/2013 10:04 www.craworld.com www.millergroup.ca

Focus Media Group Pty Ltd 210-1310 Hollis Street Halifax NS B3J 3P3 [email protected]