Sioux Lookout has a unique and privileged position as a hub for 29 remote First Nation communities and the 30,000 people who live in those communities. Sioux Lookout is a full service community providing essential services to its residents and surrounding communities as the "Hub of the North".
Current initiatives relating to health care, transportation, and education are only made possible due to our vital relationship with the northern First Nation and surrounding communities we serve.
Sioux Lookout's Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre employs over 400 people and continues to expand programs and facilities creating new jobs in both the construction and healthcare sectors. Municipal Council and the Hospital Board are advocating for a new 96-bed long-term facility to meet the needs of our area's population. We anticipate this alone will create 50 new jobs.
Sioux Lookout's Municipal Airport, with over 120,000 passenger movements annually, continues to grow. The Municipal Airport has serviced commercial properties ready for development. We intend to be a key player in the emerging Ring of Fire developments.
During recent years of turbulent global economic conditions, Sioux Lookout has experienced economic stability and continued growth. This stability comes largely from our position as a service hub for northern communities, but also from diversity of economy that includes forestry, railroad, tourism, professional sectors, health care, education, social services, government services, retail, air transportation services, bulk fuel supply and delivery, construction, hotels, Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Centre, and First Nation agencies and business investment.
The outlook for Sioux Lookout continues to be strong and stable. During this term of Council, we will be renewing relationships with our neighbours and working on initiatives that are mutually beneficial while supporting each other in lobbying efforts to senior governments.
As well as the initiatives in education, health care, and transportation sectors, Sioux Lookout has significant opportunities for investors and developers in housing, retail, and commercial areas to serve our growing population. We are open for business and investment.