THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay, Fort William First Nation, FWFN Economic Development, and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), have successfully completed workshops over the three years First Nation – Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) to develop joint community economic development plans and strategies.
“This is a major milestone towards strengthening our relationship and the regional economy,” said Eric Zakrewski, CEO – CEDC. “These strategies will assist to move our communities forward.”
CEDI is a joint initiative of Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) designed to build the capacity of neighbouring First Nations and municipal partners and to develop joint community economic development plans and initiatives.
On August 16, 2016, Cando and FCM selected Fort William First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay, from over 80 applicants, to participate in CEDI, specific to the development of 1100 acres of land situated on the south side of the Kaministiquia River, known as the Fort William First Nation Industrial Lands (Grand Trunk Pacific Lands). As part of the program, Fort William and Thunder Bay established a joint Working Group that consists of a small group of staff and elected officials from FWFN, FWFN Economic Development, Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and the City of Thunder Bay. This Working Group has met monthly for the last three years, developing strong relationships and engaging in detailed joint economic development planning.
The goals for the FWFN-Thunder Bay initiative include to develop a shared vision and implementation plan to maximize the economic development of the Industrial Lands; strengthen the two-party partnership; collaborate on business opportunities; maximize job creation and recommend/implement key infrastructure development.
The drivers of this initiative are mining, forestry, transportation, energy, and manufacturing service/supply businesses.
For more information, visit: www.fcm.ca/cedi
