Thunder Bay Forward Strategy Targets Immigration and Growth Through 2030

Northern Ontario is positioning itself for long-term economic and population growth through a new strategic framework. On January 14, 2026, the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission unveiled Thunder Bay Forward: Building Our Growth Story, a multi-year plan guiding development through 2030.

The strategy places welcoming newcomers and immigrants at the center of Thunder Bay’s growth agenda, linking population expansion directly to workforce development and investment attraction.

A Population-First Growth Approach

Thunder Bay Forward recognizes that sustained economic growth depends on attracting and retaining people. The plan prioritizes:

• Workforce expansion
• Place branding to attract new residents
• Infrastructure and housing readiness

Newcomers are seen as critical to filling labour gaps and supporting long-term community vitality.

Three Pillars Driving the Strategy

The plan is built on three interconnected pillars:

• Business: Focuses on investment attraction and growth in sectors such as mining and critical minerals, forestry and bioeconomy, logistics, and value-added manufacturing.
• Community: Targets population growth, newcomer welcoming initiatives, workforce supports, and collaboration on housing and revitalization projects.
• Tourism: Aims to position Thunder Bay as a four-season destination and Canada’s premier outdoor city, supporting service-sector employment and regional visibility.

Indigenous Partnerships and Economic Reconciliation

A key component of the strategy is economic reconciliation. The plan commits to collaboration with Indigenous communities, support for Indigenous businesses, and shared decision-making in regional development initiatives.

This approach reflects a broader understanding that inclusive growth strengthens regional resilience.

Why This Matters for Immigration Pathways

Regional strategies like Thunder Bay Forward complement federal and provincial immigration programs by improving settlement outcomes. Communities that invest in employment pathways, branding, and social infrastructure are better positioned to attract immigrants who remain long-term.

As Canada continues to encourage regional immigration, Thunder Bay’s strategy offers a model for aligning local development with national immigration goals.

How Thunder Bay’s Strategy Supports Long-Term Newcomer Retention

Beyond attracting new residents, Thunder Bay Forward places strong emphasis on retention, a critical challenge for many mid-sized and northern communities. The plan recognizes that newcomers are more likely to stay when employment opportunities are paired with quality-of-life factors such as housing availability, community services, and cultural inclusion.

By investing in placemaking initiatives, waterfront development, and downtown revitalization, Thunder Bay aims to create environments where newcomers can build lasting roots. These efforts are expected to complement immigration pathways by ensuring that skilled workers and families see long-term value in settling in the region rather than relocating to larger urban centres.

The strategy also highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making. By tracking population trends, labour gaps, and settlement outcomes, local stakeholders can adjust policies and investments in real time, improving the overall effectiveness of newcomer attraction efforts.

Positioning Thunder Bay within Canada’s Regional Immigration Landscape

As federal and provincial governments increasingly encourage immigration outside major metropolitan areas, Thunder Bay’s forward-looking approach positions it well within Canada’s evolving regional immigration framework. Communities that demonstrate readiness through infrastructure planning, employer engagement, and social supports are more likely to benefit from nominee programs and pilot pathways.

Thunder Bay Forward signals to policymakers and potential immigrants alike that the city is actively preparing for growth not reacting to it. This proactive stance could strengthen the city’s case for future immigration allocations and targeted regional initiatives.

Interested in Regional Immigration and Community-Driven Growth?

Follow Canada Immigration News for updates on local strategies, regional pathways, and how communities across Canada are attracting newcomers.