Dear Editor,
There is a sense of optimism and hope for the future of our beloved City of North Bay, especially in light of the recent 2nd stage completion of the Main Street refurbishment project and the vision for the Kiwanis All-Wheel Park.
While I don't have blinders on not to ignore the real social issues of homelessness and the addiction crisis, we are on the cusp of transformation, and I believe that we should seize this opportunity to not only fully revitalize our downtown core but also to set the stage as a sustainable and thriving Northern Ontario community.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending an excellent TEDx event at Canadore College, where former Bayite Steve Kenzie delivered a thought-provoking talk on sustainability. Steve's words resonated deeply with me, as they highlighted the incredible potential North Bay possesses in becoming a leading sustainable community in Northern Ontario. We both agreed that our city has the resources and the will to do better, and it is high time that we embrace a vision for a greener and more inclusive North Bay.
One aspect that we must consider is the changing demographic landscape of our city.
North Bay is increasingly becoming a melting pot of cultures, with new residents arriving from different parts of the world. This international influx is a source of strength, diversity, and creativity. To fully leverage this positive change, we need to align our city's development with a sustainable, forward-thinking mindset. In doing so, we can create a city that is not only attractive to newcomers but also meets the evolving needs of our current residents.
It's inspiring to see that North Bay has already taken steps towards sustainability, with kudos to Harriet Madigan and her dedicated volunteer group for their remarkable efforts in earning five blooms in the Communities in Bloom competition. However, sustainability is not just an accolade; it is a way of life, and a commitment to the well-being of our environment, economy, and community. It is a continuous journey, and there is still much work to be done.
To truly embrace sustainability, we must turn to the principles outlined in the Brundtland Report, which defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This vision requires a holistic approach to city planning and development.
We need to better prioritize sustainable urban planning by focusing on making North Bay a more livable and environmentally responsible city. This includes encouraging green building practices, transforming vacant office buildings into residential apartments, and making energy-efficient design and materials more accessible for all homeowners and businesses. Even taking a chance on innovative technologies such as transforming traditional sidewalks that generate energy for exterior lighting. Incentives for renewable energy sources and waste reduction can contribute to a greener North Bay while supporting local businesses.
A commitment to sustainability can go hand in hand with economic development. By attracting international and domestic green industries, supporting local entrepreneurship, and investing in green technology, we can foster economic growth that creates jobs and social opportunities for our future generations.
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination.
David Thompson
North Bay
