THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – Thunder Bay city council started the evening’s meeting with thank-yous and gifts for City Clerk John Hannam who after 21 years was at his last City Council meeting. Mr. Hannam will officially retire on August 10th.
Next up was a report from the Community Economic Development Commission.
Outlined was the efforts ongoing for the city, there are many opportunities for employment in the city including a great number of jobs in the medical profession. Mr. Murray explained that there are opportunities, but there are challenges too.
For Bombardier, the company set a new production record last year of 168 cars. However going forward while there are opportunities, there will be challenges. New content agreements will restrict the local plant for contracts for Europe.
Murray explained that one of the serious challenges is the national media reporting on problems in Thunder Bay. The CEDC plans to start putting out their own reports on the gotothunderbay.ca website.
Mayor Mauro had questions on the immigration pilot project. The Mayor asked if the pilot project could become permanent. Murray explained it is a three-year project but by the end of the day it will likely depend on how successful the program is in retaining an individual in the project.
Age-Friendly Thunder Bay presented to Council sharing that our ageing population presents challenges.
Councillor Peng You asked what the group is doing to help seniors who feel lonely. He was told that aftB gathers information and works to share programs and opportunities for socialization. They have a working group which meets toward finding ways to reach seniors who are living alone.
Councillor Hamilton asked about how Age-Friendly Thunder Bay helps with getting seniors into online banking. Assisting seniors to become more tech-savvy is a goal and programs have been run in the past to assist in aiding seniors. There is a working group ‘Community Hugs’ which includes links for online banking.
Hamilton asked about how to protect seniors from cybercrime and scams. Elder Abuse is available to assist and help educate seniors.
Barry Strieb presented to Council on the 2020 Special Olympics Winter Games. There are Strieb says tremendous opportunities for the city to showcase our facilities and hospitality.
There will be up-to 800 friends and family attending in addition to the athletes.
More to come…
