The city is looking for the public’s help to develop its third strategic plan for Thunder Bay.
City strategic initiatives manager Karen Lewis said while past plans have had limited opportunity for public input, there will be extensive input this time around. From social media to open houses, Lewis said she hopes the public will be able to provide input before a first draft of the four-year plan is presented in May.
"Before they’ve (council) gotten into all the nuts and bolts of how the plan can be accomplished so that the public has a n opportunity for input," Lewis said.
City council met Monday evening to discuss the process for the plan, which Lewis called a "starting point." After some discussion it was decided that the city’s citizen survey will be conducted early in the year so council and administration can incorporate findings from the survey into the strategic plan.
Some input from the campaign trail was also discussed.
Coun. Andrew Foulds said he wants the city to engage its youth for input into the new plan.
"One of the demographics I don’t think we’re doing well in is the 18-30," said Foulds.
The city now wants to have youth focus groups and forums similar to ones conducted during the multi-plex arena survey.
A familiar face also presented council with some insight Monday as former councillor Frank Pullia discussed his findings for a new strategic plan based on a project he did for his MBA at Lakehead University.
Pullia said the city’s new plan need more usable performance indicators and needs to include key community partners such as Confederation College and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at an early stage to develop a plan.
"They’re all part and parcel of our community," Pullia said.
The city also needs a clearer vision for what it wants to be he added. Every successful organization from Coca-Cola to Ottawa has a brand and a clear vision said Pullia.
"In one sentence we should be able to present our city to the world." Pullia said.
Council will meet again to discuss the plan in late January or early February.
