Thompson Economic Diversification Plan

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. The Thompson Economic Diversification Working Group (TEDWG) was formed to spearhead this effort. planningAlliance, operating as rePlan, facilitates the TEDWG process with the goal of accelerating Thompson’s development as a regional service centre for northern Manitoba with a strong mining pillar.

planningAlliance worked with stakeholders to identify two streams of work that will help Thompson diversify its economy and strengthen its position as an economic contributor to northern Manitoba. A new regulatory framework, including an updated District Development Plan and Zoning By-law; the Thompson and Region Infrastructure Plan; and a Sustainable Asset Management Framework will address growth management and infrastructure development. Action Plans in the areas of Alternative Justice; Education and Training; Housing; Local and Regional Identity; and Economic Development will provide strategic direction on specific initiatives.

The TEDWG is chaired by the City of Thompson, and includes representatives from Vale, the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Okimakanak Keewatinowi (MKO), Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC), Nisichiwayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), Thompson Unlimited and the Thompson Chamber of Commerce.