Translation Services in Thunder Bay – Economic Profile

Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northwestern Ontario and has a metropolitan area population of about 123,000 people. The "Lakehead" has always been a linchpin for shipping and transportation from western Canada to the Great Lakes. Its economy has long been based on forestry and manufacturing, but in recent years there has been a rise in new economic sectors such as medical research and education.

The city is Northwestern Ontario's commercial, cultural, administrative and medical center. The most important employers are Thunder Bay Regional Health Care Center, Bowater Forest Products, Buchanan Forest Products, Bombardier Transportation, and Abitibi-Consolidated.

The 2003 "Cultural Capital of Canada" features a vibrant cultural scene with a diversity of museums, theaters and music venues. It is host to the annual Bay Street Film Festival and the spring film festival of the North of Superior Film Association (NOSFA).

With its recreational and sports facilities and its natural beauty, Thunder Bay is also a magnet drawing thousands of visitors each year. The main attractions include Fort Williams Historical Park, several amethyst mines, and many sports facilities. In addition, Thunder Bay is a renowned sports venue and has been host to several important events such as the Summer Canada Games, the Nordic World Ski Championships, and the Continental Cup of Curling. The city features two public beaches, three ski hills, and several curling sheets and golf courses.

There are several institutions of higher education in Thunder Bay including Lakehead University, Confederation College, and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine which specializes in the field of molecular medicine.

European settlement began in the 17th century and the city has a diverse ethnic makeup. It features the largest Finnish community in Canada. Other prevalent groups include people of Scottish, Irish, French, Ukrainian, Italian, German, Polish, Swedish, and Aboriginal origin. There are two official languages in Thunder Bay: English and French. In addition, the most frequent languages spoken are Finnish, Italian, and the aboriginal Ojibwe. The different cultures contribute actively to the city's cultural life. They maintain cultural centers such as the Finnish Labour Temple, the Polish Legion, Scandinavia House, the Italian Cultural Center, and many more.

All these aspects have created a significant demand for linguistic services such as translation and interpreting in Thunder Bay.