THUNDER BAY – Business – “The Fort William Business District has received funding from Thunder Bay Ventures to do a strategic plan and are pleased to announce that Patricia Forrest of Forrest Marketing and Communications has been hired to facilitate the strategic plan”, said JP Fraser, the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Fort William Business District.
Fort William Business District Strategic Plan
The Strategic Planning Committee that is made up of BIA Board member and Committee Chair, JP Fraser, BIA Board member Tom Petrie, Shelby Ch’ng, owner of Unveiled Bridal Boutique, Christine Meronyk – employee of Nutrition Corner and Country Store, and John Pateman Chief Librarian and CEO of the Thunder Bay Public Library.
The Committee has invited a cross selection of business owners, community groups, hospitality and city departments to make presentations about their vision of the Fort William Business District. Public Meetings will be held on February 12, 13, 19 & 20 in Victoriaville Centre in suite 72 near the Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library. The meeting will start at 5:30PM.
The following individuals or groups have been invited to do a presentation: Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno; Thunder Bay City Councillor Aldo Ruberto; City Manager Tim Commisso; Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President, Harold Wilson; the Superior International Junior Hockey League; Lakehead University Thunderwolves; Best Western, Valhalla Inn; Victoria Inn; Rene Larson; Francis Larizza; Mike McNabb; Ahsanul Habib; Shoppers Drug Mart; Amethyst Gift Centre; Pierre Mapeso, President of Youth Centres Thunder Bay; First Wesley Church; St Andrews Church; St Patrick’s Cathedral; St Paul Anglican; RMYC, Pam Cain – Community Arts & Heritage Education Program; Simpson Street BIA; Westfort BA; Caroline Kajorinne; Fort William Curling Club; the Superintendent for Community Policing; District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB); and the Manager and Chair of the Thunder Bay Parking Authority.
As well, a survey has also been sent individual members, and associate members of the Business Improvement Area. Further, employees of the City of Thunder Bay will also receive the survey.
The Business Improvement Area of the Fort William Business District was established in 1984. It is a non-profit organization which represents almost 200 businesses in our area. The board is governed by an appointed volunteer board of management, and staffed by a part-time office personnel, and full-time maintenance personnel.
The B.I.A. is responsible not only for improving the image of an historical area and promoting businesses in the downtown Fort William area, but also for beautification in its geographical area.
