MBiz Magazine Launched

rePlan’s work with Vale and the Thompson Economic Diversification Working Group (TEDWG) is described  as part of a business profile on Vale in the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce's new magazine, MBiz. The magazine was launched from the Winnipeg Free Press on Saturday June 23, 2012 and, in addition to a print circulation of 120,000, is available from the newspaper’s website.

The need to broaden and diversify the economic base in Thompson and surrounding region is a long-standing priority. Economic volatility in recent years coupled with the November 2010 announcement that Vale will transition its operations in Thompson to mining and milling by 2015, have underlined the need for the City, the region and community partners to tackle this issue head on. In March 2011, Vale and the City of Thompson retained rePlan to design and undertake an engagement process to determine key priorities for a Thompson Economic Diversification Plan.

A Working Group made up of key local and regional stakeholders was formed and is facilitated by rePlan. Priorities identified by the Working Group include Alternative Justice, Education and Training, Housing, Fostering a Local and Regional Identity and an Economic Diversification Strategic Plan. rePlan is also working directly with the City of Thompson to review and update its regulatory framework. This work includes asset management planning, a Thompson and Region Infrastructure Plan, a District Development Plan and an updated Zoning By-Law.