City of Thunder Bay
Welcome to thunder bay, Ontario
Superior by Nature
Enjoy the best of all worlds.
Although it only has a proportion of approximately 2% of French-speakers,Thunder Bay still has the biggest francophone population in the region, with nearly 3000 persons.
A true Mecca for French speakers in the Northwestern region, many Francophone organizations can be found here, including the region’s political association AFNOO, whose purpose is to defend the Francophones’ rights and grow the Francophone community. Lately,there have been more and more local organizations and businesses with at least one employee who is able to provide services in French, and therefore it increases the active offer of French services to the local population.
Another important aspect is the brand new Centre francophone, a cooperative of seven organizations, en route to become the gathering place for all French speakers in NWO. In addition to the two Francophone schools in the city, the Centre Francophone will offer even more activities in French available to the general population so that people can practice outside of the classroom.
Thunder Bay also boasts the biggest gathering of French speakers in the entire region, called the Franco-Festival. This festival takes place every two years and brings together people from all over the region over the course of a weekend of music, culture and family-oriented activities.
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More than 100,000 residents enjoy the superior nature and excellent quality of life found only in the City of Thunder Bay. This is one of the most affordable places to live in the world and was internationally ranked the Most Affordable Place to Buy a Home* in 2009. Thunder Bay sits on one of the world's most stunning waterfronts, fringed by Lake Superior and overlooking the famous Sleeping Giant. Lake Superior follows the entire length of the city from north to south. Waterfront suburbs, busy downtown areas and clean city parks all touch its shorelines. As the largest and most inhabited community in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay also has an increasingly upbeat and cosmopolitan feel. Shopping, restaurants, theatres, a university, a college, a public library network, a new hospital and office buildings, are all within safe walking distance of most residential neighbourhoods. Thunder Bay is a community in the truest sense of the word. It is a place where diverse people from different ethnic backgrounds and with multicultural interests live peacefully together. All of these cultures create a unique way of life that blends varied histories, languages, music, arts and celebrations – not to mention cuisine – just waiting for you to live. For families and for the elderly, Thunder Bay offers a secure living environment. Excellent municipal services, safe neighbourhoods, exceptional health care and educational facilities, together with lower than average housing prices, create the opportunity for a rich way of life. Learn more about living in the City of Thunder Bay - one of the best-run cities in Canada. neighbourhoodsThe City of Thunder Bay was formed in 1970 as an amalgamation of two towns; Port Arthur and Fort William. Today, the city is divided into two main downtown centres known as the Heart of the Harbour in the north and Downtown Fort William in the south. A series of vibrant and multicultural neighbourhoods can be found within both the north and south areas of the city. The north area of Thunder Bay is where you’ll find downtown Heart of the Harbour, so-named because of its proximity to Prince Arthur’s Landing - the city’s major waterfront park and marina. From here, the view of the Sleeping Giant stretches across the horizon and is second to none. This rugged peninsula is steeped in Ojibway legend and was voted No. 1 of Seven Wonders of Canada by audiences of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Nearby the Heart of the Harbour area is Bay and Algoma; Thunder Bay’s original ‘Finnish Quarter’ with its authentic shops and restaurants. This is the home of the renowned Hoito restaurant which attracts both locals and tourists for its famous pancakes. The north of Thunder Bay is also home to large parks, suburban neighbourhoods with grand mansions and semi-rural areas. A large Italian population resides in the many neighbourhoods of Thunder Bay north which include: Mariday Park, River Terrace and Current River. Intercity and Central are the areas where the north and south areas of Thunder Bay meet. This is where you’ll find major shopping centres, restaurants and important financial and business institutions. The boundaries of Intercity and Central are continually expanding to include new commercial property, residential developments, public health and educational institutions. Thunder Bay’s south side became fashionable in the early 19th century as a working class district due to the industry located there. The centre of Thunder Bay south is Downtown Fort William which has experienced a major revitalization in recent years. The area now serves as a hub for a variety of public service agencies including Thunder Bay’s new City Hall and the new Provincial Court House. This is one of the city’s most historic and busy areas, where students, artists, seniors, entrepreneurs and public service workers all live and work peacefully side by side. Some of the oldest settlements of Thunder Bay are also located within the neighbourhoods of Thunder Bay South. Simpson-Ogden, the East End and Westfort are some of the more well-known neighbourhoods with roots in the industrial past. Here you will find close-knit communities of Eastern European ancestry from countries such as Poland, Croatia and the Ukraine. The Westfort area also borders the neighbouring Fort William First Nation. In these neighbourhoods, you will also generally find older homes at more affordable prices. Find more information about Thunder Bay’s shopping districts. housingThunder Bay was voted "Most Affordable Place to Buy a Home” by the 5th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey in 2009. With the average 3-bedroom home priced at $107,800, affordable house prices and a beautiful setting help to keep demand for real estate high and return on investment healthy. As well as the traditional family homes, Thunder Bay offers a range of more unusual options including waterfront residences, rural cottages, retirement condos and executive apartments. The Thunder Bay Real Estate News is a weekly publication and is the best resource for local real estate and broker listings. Find out more about setting up a home in Northwestern Ontario. useful linksthunder bay real estate brokers
utility service providersHEALTH CAREAll residents of Thunder Bay have excellent access to modern health care and treatment services in culturally sensitive environments including: acute care, mental health, rehabilitative care, long-term care and therapeutic care. New state-of-the-art facilities such as the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St.Joseph's Care Group and the Northern Cancer Research Foundation are complemented locally by existing public health and community care services. Walk-in Medical Clinics are widely available in Thunder Bay to provide immediate medical services to those who cannot wait for a scheduled appointment with their family doctor or those who do not have a family doctor. The Lakehead Social Planning Council website has an updated list of Walk-in Clinics and hours of operation. useful healthcare links
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As Northwestern Ontario’s largest city and major service centre, Thunder Bay offers employment and professional career opportunities in a diverse range of sectors from forestry, mining and transportation, to health, retail and public services. It has a high percentage of skilled workers and it is a desirable city in which to work due to above average wages and its superior quality of life. leading industriesThunder Bay is the industrial capital of Northwestern Ontario. It originally attracted immigrants to work in its forestry and railroad industries. Natural resource extraction and processing industries as well as transportation and manufacturing operations continue to be strongly represented in the economy of Thunder Bay today. Thunder Bay is the premier water, land and air port of Northern Ontario and a major gateway for exports and imports to and from Canada and the United States. Tourism also plays an important role in its economy, with 652,000 total visitors in 2008. The City of Thunder Bay is a major employer and runs several utility companies including Thunder Bay Hydro, which controls the sale and distribution of electricity, and TBayTel, the largest independent telephone company in Canada. Thunder Bay’s central business district is dominated by office based corporate employment. The majority of Northern Ontario businesses have headquarters in the city and the most important national banks and corporations are represented here. Administration, finance, legal, HR and IT careers are plentiful and Thunder Bay is also the base for several regional media outlets including television, radio and print services such as the Chronicle Journal newspapers, Dougall Media, and CBC Radio. At the same time, Thunder Bay has significant strengths in public education and health services and is shifting towards a knowledge based economy. The development of several biotechnology and research companies, along with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Lakehead University's Northern Ontario School of Medicine, continue to create exciting career prospects in the city. major employersThe major employers in Thunder Bay include: To learn about all Thunder Bay’s Major Employers, download the Community Economic Development Commission's Major Employers list.
occupations in demandThunder Bay has begun to transform its employment base in recent years to increase career opportunities and improve job skills and training in the city. Investments in biotechnology, health care, research & development and entrepreneurship, have helped to reduce Thunder Bay’s economic dependency on its traditional, natural resource based industries and have created opportunities for new fields of employment and business in the city. Key developments in this transformation include the highly acclaimed Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Canada’s newest molecular imaging and advanced diagnostics research institute, Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA Laboratory, and Genesis Genomics, a biotechnology research pioneer in the discovery, development and commercial application of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Investments continue to be made in emerging technology and science sectors to develop initiatives like the new Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-economy (CRIBE), which is developing the next generation of renewable forestry bio-products. This is a welcoming and forward looking community where the world’s brightest minds flourish. useful employment links |
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Thunder Bay has an outstanding reputation for education, be it elementary, secondary, post-secondary or vocational level. Every student is provided with equal opportunities to learn thanks to the many education choices and innovative programming options available throughout the city. Elementary and Secondary SchoolsIn total, Thunder Bay has 38 elementary schools, three senior elementary schools and eight secondary schools. The majority of elementary and secondary education services are delivered by three local School Boards:
Use the links to the School Boards’ websites for complete school listings and contact information. Private SchoolsThere are only a small number of students who attend private schools in Thunder Bay. The city’s two private schools are: Post-SecondaryInnovative and exciting lifelong learning opportunities are provided in a variety of postsecondary and vocational settings to support adults to reach their career ambitions. Postsecondary facilities in Thunder Bay are world-class and include: Lakehead University, Confederation College and the renowned Northern Ontario School of Medicine, which received accreditation in 2004. The Lakehead University campus shares its medical school with Laurentian University in Sudbury. It is intended to meet the growing health care needs of all communities in Northern Ontario. Find more information about Thunder Bay’s Colleges and Universities. Adult EducationThe Lakehead Adult Education Centre offers a range of high school credits as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for new Canadian residents. In addition, several for-profit institutions provide vocational adult education programming to people living in Thunder Bay including:
Alternative EducationFor those who want to stay in the home while taking government approved courses, two online education institutions are available: The LINC Home Study English program is also offered online via the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association and is for newcomers to Canada who wish to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. |
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Thunder Bay is a great place to do business and the City of Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission is committed to ensuring that Thunder Bay remains one of Ontario’s leading business, investment and knowledge destinations. Thunder Bay has a diverse business economy with strengths in forestry, transportation, health care and education services. The city is also significantly represented in manufacturing, mining, and government services. Newer industries as varied as biotechnology, film and green energy are also prospering. The City of Thunder Bay works closely with a number of key local partners in driving forward the city’s ambitious economic development agenda, including:
These strategic partners work together with the aim of creating the conditions that allow enterprise to flourish. Business SupportIn these challenging economic times, Thunder Bay remains an attractive location to build, grow or relocate a business in North America. A stable political environment, resilient economy and high quality lifestyle make Thunder Bay the ideal choice for long-term business success. The City of Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and its partners actively encourage business growth by working with companies at all stages of their development. Information is provided to help entrepreneurs and businesses prepare feasibility studies and business plans. Other strategic advice is also available that may be essential to supporting and enhancing business success. Business support programs offered in Thunder Bay include:
Whether you are planning to set up a new business or looking at options for relocation, the opportunities and support you can expect in Thunder Bay are second to none. To find out more about doing business in Thunder Bay, contact the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). |
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Thunder Bay is a culturally sophisticated city and a great place to get active. There’s so much to see and do in Thunder Bay. We are the heart of world-class attractions and adventure in Northwestern Ontario. Leisure pursuits range from outdoor recreation – sailing, fishing, hiking, skiing, canoeing and more – to the cultural – enjoying live theatre, music, movies, galleries, restaurants and festivals. Thunder Bay residents also enjoy a number of excellent recreational centres, fitness facilities, swimming pools, arenas and other amenities. When it comes to sports and recreation, there's something to do year round whatever the weather. Visit the links below for information on the various activities, facilities and recreational programs offered in Thunder Bay.
For general information on what to do in Thunder Bay see the Visiting Thunder Bay website. Outdoor recreationA distinct and dramatic landscape of lakes, rivers, boreal forests and mountains make Thunder Bay a natural adventure playground. Together with its renowned parks and wildlife of international significance, the city provides ample opportunities to engage in outdoor recreation in every season. Summer recreation:From fishing and sailing adventures on Lake Superior, or golfing at the luxurious Whitewater Golf Club, to hiking, cycling or wildlife viewing through the many City Parks or Conservation Areas, summer in Thunder Bay means long, fun-filled days in the great outdoors. This is the city that has the most daylight hours in Canada, providing more time to fit in a variety of summer activities. Winter recreation:Winter in Thunder Bay brings endless ways to have fun in the snow. From downhill skiing, snowboarding and curling, to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or ice-hockey on our many city outdoor rinks, Thunder Bay offers a variety of experiences to help you enjoy the Canadian winter. Browse the wide array of world-class winter recreation opportunities Thunder Bay has to offer. Whether you want to experience ice-climbing or dog sledding, sleigh riding or ice-fishing, you’ll find a place to try it in our backyard. Cultural activitiesThunder Bay is a dynamic and creative cultural centre that offers world-class entertainment, events & festivalsand dining, making the city's lifestyle stimulating and unique. Arts & Entertainment:The city is home to a range of internationally acclaimed art galleries, world-class performing venues, museums, historical sites and entertainment attractions that provide year-round programming such as:
Events & Festivals:Thunder Bay hosts many unique festivals and special events throughout the year, from exciting sports events, entertaining music and film festivals, to celebrations of food and culture from around the world. Find out what's happening around the City by visiting the public Events Calendar. Dining OutThunder Bay is a cultural mosaic and its dining experience is no different. The city serves as a centre for international eating; from fine dining to traditional, home-made cuisine, offering an eclectic blend of the world's finest food created with the freshest, and often locally grown, ingredients. Fresh and sustainable food sources are everywhere. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, farm raised meats, home produced cheeses and even locally sourced drinking water are just some of the choices. There are also Farmer’s Markets, community garden projects and direct farm-to-business connections. In Thunder Bay, local food security is also a priority. Many support programs are organized to ensure that safe, nutritious and healthy foods are available at low cost. Visit Thunder Bay Food Strategy for more information. Quality of food, value for money, and choice are often the first notable highlights picked out by newcomers to Thunder Bay. In addition to well-known national restaurants, there are locally organized and ethnic eateries offering unique flavours from around the world including Italian, East Indian, Scandinavian and Polish. The City of Thunder Bay’s Restaurant Guide has comprehensive listings of over 200 restaurants throughout Thunder Bay. Sports & Recreation FacilitiesThunder Bay is a leader in Northwestern Ontario for access to quality sporting facilities and family recreation. There are excellent municipal and private sports and recreation facilities available locally, from multi-purpose facilities to baseball stadiums and indoor soccer fields which house local sports teams like the Thunder Bay Chill, Lakehead Thunderwolves and the Thunder Bay Border Cats. The City of Thunder Bay alone operates the following sports and recreation facilities:
The City of Thunder Bay is recognized nationally as a leader when it comes to accessibility standards. The City also provides affordable programs and classes in the areas of sports, fitness, recreation, leisure, and much more. The Key is Thunder Bay’s guide to community programs and services. |
| Where We Are |
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Photo Gallery: Thunder Bay will appear here on the public site.
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