Living and working in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Living and working in Thunder Bay, Ontario

The picturesque town of Thunder Bay participates in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program.

Photo: HGTV

Thunder Bay is said to attract people from all over the world. The town has a population of 113,000.

Thunder Bay is participating in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot because it needs an influx of new people to help diversify the community and contribute to economic development. You can find out the requirements for immigration to Thunder Bay in our article.

The town is located in central Canada and very close (70 km) to the U.S. border.

The location of Thunder Bay on the map:

Thunder Bay is located on the shores of Lake Superior, which is the world's largest freshwater lake and a playground for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Thunder Bay is home to Quetico Provincial Park, which offers hiking, swimming, canoeing, and more during the warm season, and skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding in the winter.

Cost of living

One of the advantages of Thunder Bay is the lower cost of living compared to major Canadian cities. For example, according to Numbeo, consumer goods prices in Thunder Bay are about 11% lower than in Toronto, and food prices are 21% lower.

The cost of renting in Thunder Bay is 45% lower than in Toronto. And that's considering the fact that Thunder Bay has seen real estate prices rise faster than any other city in Canada over the past five years. In downtown Thunder Bay, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for as little as $1,170 CAD, and in downtown Toronto for an incredible $2,200 CAD. By the way, according to Numbeo, wages in Thunder Bay are only 12% lower than in Toronto.

Quality of life: time to enjoy it!

Thunder Bay is a modern, vibrant and forward-looking town, thanks to ongoing investments in infrastructure, culture, and the economy. Thunder Bay attracts young skilled professionals, newcomers, and businesses from all over North America.

Thunder Bay is the sunniest city in Eastern Canada, with an average of 2,121 hours of sunshine per year. According to the Ontario Air Quality Index, Thunder Bay also has the highest air quality in the province.

Thunder Bay has the purest drinking water from Lake Superior. The town authorities make considerable efforts to preserve the water source.

Work in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay has a particularly strong raw materials sector (especially forestry and mining) as well as manufacturing. The community also has a rapidly growing science industry thanks to innovations in health care and a growing information and communication technology sector.

Thunder Bay is also home to globally recognized companies where you can get a job:

  • Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center (medical facility);
  • St. Joseph's Care Group (comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and other health care facility);
  • Lakehead University (higher education);
  • Bombardier Transportation (manufacturing of equipment for public transport);
  • Confederation College (higher education).

A list of job openings in Thunder Bay is available on the town's official website.

Location and transportation: world-class logistics network

Thunder Bay has excellent transportation and communication infrastructure, as well as access to the international market due to its strategic location.

The town has an international airport, an international seaport, and a national and international rail network. Its strategic location and well-established transportation infrastructure allow local businesses to deliver goods quickly and efficiently, making Thunder Bay a key link in the supply chain.

Stable and competitive business environment

Since the 1800s, a strong business environment has developed in Thunder Bay as a major trading center for the Canadian fur trade. Over time, Thunder Bay has become a central hub for North American and international manufacturing and continues to be strong in specialized manufacturing, mining, and clean technology. More recently, Thunder Bay's economy has diversified into the aviation and health care sectors.

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  • #Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
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  • #immigration to Canada
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