Thunder Bay
Community Profile
Discover why Thunder Bay is the right choice for your next Bio-Economy project...
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Print Community ProfileTable of Contents
- Introduction
- Location
- Demographics
- Investment Opportunity
- Forest Fibre & Wood Suply
- Infrastructure
- Business Support Programs
- Connect with Us
This interactive report has been prepared by the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE). Located in Thunder Bay, CRIBE is an Ontario based independent non-profit organization formed in 2009 that supports innovation to commercialization activities for Ontario's forest bioeconomy sector. CRIBE has a proven track record and ongoing commitments to working closely with the traditional forest products sector, emerging second generation forest products companies, new biochemical based technology providers, and national and international research organizations to prioritize research and development needs in support of a strong and vibrant bio-products sector. For more information on CRIBE, please visit our website.
Thunder bay - INTRODUCTION
Connecting the Dots
Thunder Bay, Ontario is one of Canada's hidden gems. A picturesque city nestled on the shores of Lake Superior it offers residents a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic opportunity. Situated on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation and the Red Rock Indian Band, it is home to approximately 110,000 residents, making it the largest city in Northwestern Ontario. Because of its size, Thunder Bay attracts some of the best talent from throughout the northwestern region of the province and is also home to a significant student population, with Lakehead University and Confederation College both located in the city. It is made up of a diverse mix of Indigenous, European, and Asian cultures. The following report will highlight why talented people and businesses choose to live, work, do business and invest in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
With its thriving economy, Thunder Bay boasts a mix of industries that offer a range of job opportunities. The forestry sector is a significant contributor to the local economy, with several mills and processing plants located in the area. The city Is also home to a growing tech industry, with a number of startups and established companies choosing Thunder Bay as their base of operations. Other industries in the area include mining, healthcare, and tourism.
The city also has a rich cultural scene, with a range of events and festivals that celebrate its diverse heritage. The annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival is a highlight of the summer calendar, drawing music fans from across the region. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery and the Magnus Theatre Company are also popular destinations for those interested in the arts.
Thunder Bay is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers its residents a high quality of life set against a backdrop of natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, the area is home to several other parks and conservation areas, including Pigeon River Provincial Park and the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. There are endless opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing, while the nearby mountains offer hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Thunder Bay - Location
A Closer Look
This map is a snapshot of the city's available infrastructure and corresponding vacant industrial property. A legend of zoning can also be used to identify the areas of best fit for your business. Contact the Thunder Bay CEDC for more information on developing in the City of Thunder Bay, or real estate inquiries.
Thunder Bay is an economic hub in Northwestern Ontario; poised for investment, ready to develop and innovate! Do you have a market ready business in the bio-economic sector? This may be the spot…
A link to download a high-resolution version of this map can be found here.
A link to Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission's database of vacant land or for commercial properties for sale can be found here.
Thunder Bay - Why
Demographic Indicators
In partnership with the Thunder Bay CEDC, we have identified some key social demographic, infrastructure, and regional indicators to help interested business proponents to better understand the physical ad social resources available in the region.
You can download the free PDF overview of Thunder Bay's demographic information here.
You can also check out Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission's interactive demographic database here.
To explore further the physical infrastructure, demographic information & business support services available in the thunder Bay region, visit our Searchable Utility Infrastructure Tool (SUIT) here.
*Select Thunder Bay from the dropdown selector in the upper right-hand corner of the application to get started. The indicators are responsive to the map view extent and will display key information on regional infrastructure.
Thunder Bay - investment opportunity
Poised for Investment & Growth
Given Canada’s current economic climate and the government’s policy focus on sustainable growth and development, minimizing our carbon footprint, and eliminating waste, it stands to reason that Thunder Bay would have a crucial role to play in the sustainable economic recovery and growth of the nation. The bioeconomy and the diversification of the forest industry, through the successful innovation and hard work of our forest practitioners, has the potential to lead the world in the development of sustainably sourced renewable fuels, as well as lignin-based foams, plastics, batteries, and car parts. The potential is endless and Thunder Bay, at the heart of the boreal forest, is positioned to offer world-class solutions.
The city that is no stranger to the forestry industry with large scale lumber mills, pulp and paper plants, and other related operations, the forestry sector has been a significant contributor to the local economy for decades. However, with the rise of the bioeconomy, there is a renewed focus on the potential of wood fibre as a sustainable and renewable resource for a range of applications including renewable resources for food, energy, biofuels, and many other products offering huge potential for economic growth.
Biofuels are a renewable alternative to fossil fuels and can be produced from a range of biomass, including wood fibre. Our project partners at CRIBE, have been at the heart of funding these projects throughout the province. We’ve also fostered relations with partnering countries like Finland and Sweden who have similar boreal landscapes to our own to encourage sharing of technology and processes. With the right investment and support, Thunder Bay could become a major player in the biofuels industry.
Another potential use for wood fibre in the bioeconomy is in the production of chemicals and materials. Wood fibre can be used to produce a range of chemicals, including ethanol, acetic acid, and xylitol. These chemicals can be used in a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and textiles. Wood fibre can also be used to produce a range of materials, including composites, insulation, and packaging.
The use of wood fibre in the bioeconomy is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable. Through our universities, industries, and partner countries, we have the fibre volumes, research and development, infrastructure, access to shipping, and the quality human resources necessary to become a hub for the bioeconomy in Canada. The right investment and support could mean new industry, jobs and a more sustainable future for the residents of Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay - investment opportunity
Poised for Investment & Growth
Given Canada’s current economic climate and the government’s policy focus on sustainable growth and development, minimizing our carbon footprint, and eliminating waste, it stands to reason that Thunder Bay would have a crucial role to play in the sustainable economic recovery and growth of the nation. The bioeconomy and the diversification of the forest industry, through the successful innovation and hard work of our forest practitioners, has the potential to lead the world in the development of sustainably sourced renewable fuels, as well as lignin-based foams, plastics, batteries, and car parts. The potential is endless and Thunder Bay, at the heart of the boreal forest, is positioned to offer world-class solutions.
The city that is no stranger to the forestry industry with large scale lumber mills, pulp and paper plants, and other related operations, the forestry sector has been a significant contributor to the local economy for decades. However, with the rise of the bioeconomy, there is a renewed focus on the potential of wood fibre as a sustainable and renewable resource for a range of applications including renewable resources for food, energy, biofuels, and many other products offering huge potential for economic growth.
Biofuels are a renewable alternative to fossil fuels and can be produced from a range of biomass, including wood fibre. Our project partners at CRIBE, have been at the heart of funding these projects throughout the province. We’ve also fostered relations with partnering countries like Finland and Sweden who have similar boreal landscapes to our own to encourage sharing of technology and processes. With the right investment and support, Thunder Bay could become a major player in the biofuels industry.
Another potential use for wood fibre in the bioeconomy is in the production of chemicals and materials. Wood fibre can be used to produce a range of chemicals, including ethanol, acetic acid, and xylitol. These chemicals can be used in a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and textiles. Wood fibre can also be used to produce a range of materials, including composites, insulation, and packaging.
The use of wood fibre in the bioeconomy is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable. Through our universities, industries, and partner countries, we have the fibre volumes, research and development, infrastructure, access to shipping, and the quality human resources necessary to become a hub for the bioeconomy in Canada. The right investment and support could mean new industry, jobs and a more sustainable future for the residents of Thunder Bay.
Why Thunder Bay
Economic Infrastructure & Demographic Indicators
In partnership with the Thunder Bay CEDC, we have identified some key social demographic, infrastructure, and regional indicators to help interested business proponents to better understand the physical ad social resources available in the region. Select Thunder Bay from the dropdown selector in the upper right-hand corner of the application to get started. The indicators are responsive to the map view extent and will display key information on regional infrastructure. A printable PDF copy of the infographic is available for download using the link provided in the tool.
Regional economic development
Northwestern Ontario
CRIBE’s work with the bioenergy and bio-products sector around the world continues to show us that there is a growing interest in the development of next generation biofuels, bioproducts and technology with forest-based biomass feedstock emerging as viable solution. A report prepared for the Thunder Bay CEDC in 2020 offers additional analysis and opportunities available to industries which could make use of forest biomass in the region.
To learn more check out LINK
Where & How Much
Economic Fibre Supply Mapping
This Dashboard has been created to display wood fibre in the region, with a display of all Forest Management Plan Blocks with species information, total volumes, and an overview of delivered fibre costs in the region. These values are intended for pre-feasibility analysis and require further refinement for business planning purposes and actual fibre availability. Please select Thunder Bay from the drop-down menu in the upper righthand corner to start. The indicators of species composition and cost will alter based on the map's viewing extent. For more information on these tools, please visit the full toolset available on the ForestEDGE
* A tool displaying estimates of residual biomass from forestry operations can also be found by clicking the Residual Biomass Dashboard tab in the lower left corner of the application.
Forestry as the backbone
Right in Your Own Backyard
In Ontario, there are a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees that support a healthy forest-products industry. For the past 100 years, Ontario has supplied markets with an array of high-quality forest products from pulp and paper, to lumber and veneer. Visit the Ministry of Natural Resources - Ontario's Forest Industry website for more information.
The following dashboard provides a summary of available standing volumes of bio fibre (merchantable, un-merchantable and un-marketable wood by species) in the Province of Ontario Merchantable wood may include species that are "un-marketable" due to economic considerations and are included as a consideration for bio fibre feedstock. This dashboard uses data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Available Wood Report.
Forest FIbre Quality
Biomass Characteristics & Applications
The various regional species have different physical and chemical characteristics that may be of interest to technology pathways. CRIBE has summarized some characterization information for use at the following Link
Additional regional samples were collected in September of 2021 and are undergoing detailed characterization analysis. Check back for updates to this section as information becomes available.
Globally there are several deployment ready technologies available to produce products from low grade biomass residuals or other forestry feedstocks, including liquid/gaseous fuel and biochar products.
The strengths of the forestry cluster in the Thunder Bay region, which includes a diverse and stable wood products sector, available wood supply along with the infrastructure and demographics of the City of Thunder Bay, present a unique opportunity to support and accelerate the development of next generation bioeconomic products.