Mayor Lynn Peterson
Even in you wildest imagination you couldn't imagine how nice the waterfront will be.
What do you expect for our economy in Thunder Bay this year? There is a tremendous amount of activity going on in terms of economic development. The TBEDC Division is very active and
focussed.The market in real estate is good. We know the forestry is still in difficulty and they are retransitioning, but some progress has been made.The knowledge and information sector is actually booming and there is more to come soon.The molecular medicine facility on Monroe
street is at full tenancy. When it opens it will be full. The university, college and medical school and the whole medical imaging molecular area is really active. The economic spin off is great for the community.We have had at least 22 new researchers and scientists move here. I think when more of these operations cluster they will expand.
As minimal as it was there was a small population growth in the community and real growth in the tax accessment. If you look at the stats we are up. 1% but up .8% in the metropolitan area to 123,000 people. We spent $22 million last year on roads, bridges, sidewalks and
sewers. This year we will spend a like amount. The waterfront\ evelopment is moving forward as we speak with council investing $8.3million this year and moving ahead as quickly as we can. Expanding the usage by people is the goal.
We are working hard and moving in the right direction. Bombardier is hiring every week. The dollar and softwood lumber pricing is effecting forestry but some progress is being made. It is about keeping people working and let them enjoy their lives.We are so lucky to have such a
beautiful city in which to live.
