Thunder Bay BIAs Take Northern Business Concerns to Queen’s Park Roundtable
Leaders from Thunder Bay’s two Business Improvement Areas brought Northern Ontario’s economic realities directly to the province during a recent roundtable with Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business, highlighting challenges that continue to affect local entrepreneurs.
Rising Costs, Market Barriers Highlighted at Provincial Meeting
THUNDER BAY — Representatives from the Fort William BIA and Waterfront District BIA met with the Honourable Nina Tangri during the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association conference in St. Catharines.
The session focused on Northern, rural and construction-related economic issues, offering an opportunity for Thunder Bay advocates to outline the pressures facing small businesses across Northwestern Ontario.
Among the key concerns raised were rising operating costs, ongoing supply chain disruptions and reduced access to United States markets due to tariffs. Business leaders emphasized that Northern firms are navigating these pressures while operating in smaller, more dispersed markets than their Southern Ontario counterparts.
Smaller Markets, Higher Costs Impact Competitiveness
The BIAs pointed to local examples showing significant increases in input costs, combined with declining U.S. online and wholesale revenues.
Businesses in Thunder Bay and across the region face higher transportation expenses, a smaller customer base and fewer funding opportunities, as many provincial programs are allocated based on population size. These factors, they say, limit the ability of Northern businesses to adapt quickly despite a long-standing record of resilience.
Hospitality Sector Raises Concerns Over LCBO Changes
Concerns were also raised about recent Ontario Budget measures and changes to LCBO ordering processes affecting restaurants and bars.
Under the current system, businesses report more time-consuming ordering steps and fewer opportunities to discover and test new products.
With limited visits from sales representatives in the North and reduced ability to browse inventory, operators say innovation and revenue growth in the hospitality sector could be constrained.
Broader Pressures Affect Local Business Climate
The discussion also touched on wider challenges, including housing shortages, workforce constraints and social issues that influence consumer activity and business stability.
While Thunder Bay continues to pursue long-term growth through its Smart Growth Action Plan, BIAs noted a widening gap between economic development strategies and the day-to-day realities facing small businesses.
Province Acknowledged for Recent Measures
The BIAs acknowledged recent provincial actions, including the expansion of the Rural Ontario Development Program and a reduction in the small business corporate income tax rate, as positive steps.
Kara Pratt of the Waterfront District BIA said the meeting was an important opportunity to ensure Northern voices are heard.
“We appreciated the opportunity to speak directly to the realities Northern Ontario small businesses are facing,” Pratt said. “Any added barriers limit their ability to be creative, adapt and respond quickly to changing conditions.”
She added that the concerns raised are expected to be shared with relevant ministries at Queen’s Park for further consideration.
The BIAs thanked Minister Tangri and her team for engaging with Northern stakeholders as discussions continue on shaping Ontario’s small business landscape.
