The mayor thinks the city is on its way up in every way but more needs to be done to help those who need it.
In an almost 30 minute speech for the annual state of the city address, Keith Hobbs said 2011 has proven that Thunder Bay is growing. He highlighted $250 million in construction this year and a 75 per cent increase in housing starts over 2010. The Thunder Bay Airport saw a record 700,000 passengers and the Thunder Bay Port Authority reported a 30 per cent increase in cargo this year.
“We have met hundreds of people doing extraordinary things, and it gives me a great sense of pride to be involved in the future of Thunder Bay,” Hobbs said.
Thunder Bay was also given the province’s first law school in over 40 years. New buildings at Confederation College and Lakehead University with a growing bio-tech industry show a city in transition with the help of leadership Hobbs said.
“We are all committed to working together.”
Echoing John F. Kennedy, Hobbs said all of this economic development without social progress would only help a few. While he was proud the city supported a 15-bed Shelter House Provisional Housing Project and Alcohol Management Program, more needs to be done to eliminate poverty in the city.
“Some of the issues (Kennedy) talked about are still true for us more than 50 years later,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs also focused on First Nations people in the city, starting his speech by reminding people that Thunder Bay is on traditional Ojibwa land and was an historic Metis settlement. With the city signing a declaration of commitment with Fort William First Nation in October, it shows a new direction for the city he said.
Visiting remote First Nation communities this year, Hobbs said he has seen some progress for First Nations but more collaboration on every level needs to happen.
“There are circumstances of national disgrace and deplorable conditions in First Nation communities right here in our very own province,” Hobbs said. “Seeing many aboriginal people still fighting for equality or to be welcome within every part of our society is something that should no longer exist. We as a council have made some progress but not enough.”
Hobbs also touched on crime, saying he looks forward to working with police chief J.P. Levesque and deputy chief Andy Hay to make the community safer.
“We need to show criminals that they are not wanted here while letting the rest of the world know that Thunder Bay is a safe and inviting city,” Hobbs said.
