Thunder Bay’s location on the shores of Lake Superior make it the commercial and transportation hub for the entirety of Northwestern Ontario. Its closeness to all the natural resources located in this part of Canada lends itself to the exploration and development of the mining industries, as well as a hub for energy, infrastructure, and transport in the North Shore Region of Ontario.

The population of Thunder Bay is approximately 109,140 where 53,460 of the population form part of the labour force of the city and the North Shore Region. Road access to Thunder Bay is provided by the Trans-Canada Highway, while the Port of Thunder Bay allows for seaport access. Railway access for the transport of goods is provided by the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways. Air access is provided by Thunder Bay International Airport, which doubles as the hub of the aerospace industry in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

Industries in Thunder Bay are centered around aerospace, mining, forestry, and manufacturing. The aerospace industry is centered around Thunder Bay International Airport. Mining operations in Thunder Bay and its surrounding area are located in the Greenstone Area, known as the Ring of Fire Project. The Forestry Industry of Thunder Bay focuses on the processing of wood and pulp processed in areas near Highway 61. There are 177 Manufacturing Businesses located in Thunder Bay.

In line with the new land use strategy of Thunder Bay, Heavy Industrial Land Usage is now designated along the Lake Superior Waterfront, as well as along Mission River. Mission and McKeller Islands were designated for heavy industrial use due to their proximity to port facilities. A 62- hectare site for heavy industries is located on the east side of Mission Island, north of the Ontario Power Generation Site. Additional 10-hectare heavy industrial sites are located near the Thunder Bay Water Plant in the northern part of the city, as well as the rail corridor near Neebing Avenue and Rosslyn Road.

https://gotothunderbay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Thunder-Bay-Employment-Land-Strategy-2020-FINAL.pdf

https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/CEDC.aspx