THUNDER BAY – Two conferences are coming to Northern Ontario. Come North – Population Growth Strategy Planning Conferences will be taking place in Temiskaming Shores on February 11-13, and in Thunder Bay on February 18-20. The conferences are designed around information sharing, planning and coordination.
During these three-day conferences, attendees will participate in a series of breakout sessions to discuss population growth strategies for Ontario’s northern regions while examining the challenges and expectations of new arrivals to their new communities. New arrivals are from everywhere, and anywhere, else. Whether that is from remote First Nations, neighboring rural communities, adjacent urban centers, other parts of the province, the country, or the world. The conference is hosted by the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation and the City of Temiskaming Shores.
The main goals of the conferences are:
- Increase awareness among all participants about the resources available to attract, retain, and assist new arrivals.
- Identify through direct interaction, opportunities to leverage, partner, coordinate, and/or share resources, staff and activities.
- Develop a concrete list of next steps identifying not only what is to be done, but by whom and by when.
Registration is FREE. Who should attend? “Anyone who is involved directly or indirectly in welcoming people to your community,” says Ryan Reynard, Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation, one of the host organizations. “Everyone has a role,” adds James Franks, the Economic Development Officer for the City of Temiskaming Shores, the host of the second event. Examples of who should attend:
- Federal, provincial, Indigenous, municipal and private sector leaders
- Funding agencies, postsecondary institutions, schools, hospitals, health-care providers, social service agencies, and job developers and migration experts
- Community actors such as neighbourhood groups, faith groups, community-minded individuals, services groups, and sports associations
- New arrivals themselves – Share your story and help others understand what works or does not work from your perspective.
Budget conscious? Transportation and accommodation support is available!
International students, small municipalities, small First Nations, local service clubs, NGO’s or any other individual or group who may need some help covering the cost to get to these events – please visit www.comenorth.ca for more information. Some conditions apply, get your request in early.
For more information on the agenda, breakout sessions or to register, please visit www.comenorth.ca.