THUNDER BAY – Long time public servant Iain Angus announced today that he will seek re-election as a Councillor at Large for the City of Thunder Bay. First elected to Council in 2003, and re-elected in 2006 & 2010 Angus has also represented the Riding of Fort William (1975-77) in the Ontario Legislature and the riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan in the House of Commons (1984-1993).
“The last 11 years represents significant progress for the City of Thunder Bay” said Angus “But more remains to do to grow both the economy and the quality of life in our community. I am seeking four more years during which I can be part of the team that will move this community further forward.”
Angus cited a number of key initiatives that reflects on the growth in the community:
• The investment in the Regional Research Institute continues to see ongoing returns to the community in the form of significant employment and medical progress
• The phenomenal success of the public and private investments in Prince Arthur’s landing
• The construction of the new Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board headquarters that not only saves the municipal taxpayer money over the long term but drastically enhances the quality of service for the residents who rely on DSSAB for housing, income assistance and children’s services
• The retention of the Thunder Bay Generating Station and its operation on advanced biomass
• The creation of a Mining Readiness Strategy that provides a blueprint on how the Thunder Bay and regional economy will benefit from a broad range of mining opportunities when properly implemented
• The development of an Asset Management Plan for parks and recreation facilities that will ensure that these necessary quality of life facilities receive the same renewal investment as our roads, bridges and underground pipes .
Over the next four years Angus stated that his efforts will be focused on the following:
• Enhancing the economy of Thunder Bay by working to ensure we maximize new services and therefore employment related to the mining expansion throughout the region
• Working to ensure the housing opportunities for all income groups are expanded through a combination of targeted tax policy, incentives where allowed by provincial law and in some cases direct investment by the City of Thunder Bay and TBDSSAB.
• Continuing to lead the work of the Energy Task Force in convincing the Government of Ontario as to the appropriate generation and transmission needs of the entire region, but with specific focus on the conversion of the Thunder Bay Generating Station to natural gas.
• Continuing to work with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association to ensure that the Government of Ontario truly understands the needs and wants of the Northwest and finally recognizes that a ‘one size fits all’ philosophy does not work in this region.• Working with administration to develop new approaches for dealing with the cost and implication of severe weather situations.
