Thompson, MB

A Shining Example of Putting the Students First

Leading the North: How Thompson Anchors Northern Manitoba

 

Situated in Northern Manitoba, the City of Thompson continues to reinforce its position as a vital regional center for transportation, healthcare, economic activity, and public services. While Thompson’s permanent population sits just over 13,000 residents, the city’s true reach extends far beyond its municipal boundaries.

Each day, Thompson supports more than 65,000 people living in surrounding and remote northern communities, many of whom rely on the city for access to essential services unavailable closer to home. From medical care and emergency response to infrastructure, housing, education, recreation, and business development, Thompson’s leadership is guiding the community through one of its most transformative periods.

As Mayor Colleen Smook explains, Thompson’s identity is rooted not only in geography but in responsibility.

“We are a city of just over 13,000 people, but we are a service area for more than 65,000 residents in outlying communities,” says Mayor Smook. “That is what really makes us the hub of the North.”

This role places Thompson at the center of healthcare delivery, transportation logistics, emergency management, and economic activity for dozens of northern communities. It also shapes how the city plans, invests, and advocates, ensuring that local decisions continue to support the broader North that relies on Thompson year-round.

Northern Transportation and Medical Lifeline

Few assets illustrate Thompson’s regional importance more clearly than its airport. Functioning as both a passenger hub and a critical medical transportation center, the airport plays a daily role in connecting remote communities to lifesaving care. Five charter medical planes operate out of Thompson, transporting patients from communities without road access directly to hospital services.

“People fly in every day from communities that do not have road access,” Mayor Smook explains. “In the summer, they come by plane, and in the winter, they come through hundreds of kilometres of winter roads that all funnel through Thompson.”

Those winter roads serve as lifelines for communities such as Brochet, Tadoule Lake, Oxford House, and others, allowing fuel, food, building materials, and essential supplies to reach areas otherwise isolated for much of the year. During warmer months, air travel becomes the only reliable option. As a result, Thompson’s airport operates not only as a regional gateway but as a cornerstone of northern resilience.

“Our airport is the second busiest in Manitoba after Winnipeg,” Mayor Smook notes. “North Star Air operates out of Thompson and flies into the High Arctic with goods and services.”

Beyond medical transport, the airport plays a significant role in freight movement across Northern Manitoba and into the Arctic. During the COVID pandemic, when traditional shipping routes through Winnipeg were disrupted, freight was trucked north to Thompson and flown onward, underscoring the city’s importance in maintaining supply chains during times of crisis. Passenger carriers, including Calm Air and Perimeter Aviation, maintain regular service to Winnipeg and remote northern destinations, further reinforcing Thompson’s role as a logistical hub.

That role is set to expand even further with the imminent opening of a brand-new airport terminal.

“We are just months away from opening a brand-new airport terminal,” Mayor Smook says. “It has been two years in the making and represents about $120 million in investment.”

The new terminal is a complete rebuild rather than a renovation, constructed on a new footprint and designed better to accommodate passengers, freight, and medical transfers. While the opening was initially planned for late summer, forest fires and construction challenges shifted the timeline to January.

“This airport has been talked about for 20 years,” Mayor Smook reflects. “To see it finally come to fruition is incredibly exciting.”

Notably, the terminal incorporates Indigenous reconciliation and accessibility considerations, including dedicated waiting spaces for elders and improved facilities for medical travellers and cargo operations, ensuring the airport reflects the needs and values of the communities it serves.

Expanding Care, Housing, and Support

While large-scale infrastructure projects dominate much of Thompson’s recent investment, the city’s downtown initiatives are equally focused on social well-being and long-term stability. In recent years, Thompson has seen an increase in unsheltered residents, many of whom arrive in the city through medical travel or emergency evacuations and remain without the support needed to return home.

In response, the city expanded its Wellbriety Center in partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, strengthening the range of services available to vulnerable residents.

“We have expanded the shelter component and added more wraparound services,” Mayor Smook explains. “That includes access to medical care, addiction treatment, and pathways into housing for people who are ready to move forward.”

Affordable and transitional housing remains a priority, particularly in the downtown core. The Ma Mow We Tak Friendship Centre recently completed a new 12-unit apartment building designed primarily for seniors, contributing to housing stability and revitalization in the area.

“That project is a great addition to our downtown,” Mayor Smook says. “They are also partnering with us to explore other affordable housing options.”

Additional efforts are underway in the Eastwood area, where aging apartment buildings constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s are undergoing complete renovations. These upgrades are expected to support transitional housing needs while improving the overall quality and longevity of the city’s housing stock.

Business Growth Anchored by Regional Demand

As a service hub for the North, Thompson’s economy reflects regional demand more than traditional urban retail patterns. Automotive dealerships, service providers, and logistics-driven businesses have seen notable investment, recognizing Thompson’s importance as a regional marketplace.

“Ford completed a new $12 million dealership,” Mayor Smook says. “Chrysler, Dodge, and GM dealerships have also made major upgrades, which really speaks to how important Thompson is to northern Manitoba.”

While larger retailers have reshaped the commercial landscape, sustaining smaller retail and dining establishments remains a challenge.

“We still struggle with the number of restaurants and smaller businesses we can support,” Mayor Smook explains. “Rents are high, and staffing can be difficult.”

At the same time, demand for services remains strong. Thompson has one of the highest per-capita hotel counts in Manitoba, yet rooms are frequently booked during the workweek by visiting professionals, contractors, and service providers.

“There are many companies here Monday through Thursday, and it can be almost impossible to find a hotel room,” Mayor Smook adds.

Indigenous economic participation continues to expand, strengthening Thompson’s business ecosystem. York Factory First Nation recently purchased KNC Electric and Home Hardware, bringing additional Indigenous-owned enterprises into the city.

“About 60 percent of Thompson’s population is Indigenous,” Mayor Smook notes. “Collaboration is central to how we operate, and we welcome these partnerships.”

Rebuilding Foundations of the North

The scale of infrastructure investment underway in Thompson is unprecedented. The city is now in its fifth year of a major water, sewer, and road renewal program, initially announced in 2019 with an estimated cost of $87 million, with final costs expected to exceed that figure.

“We are replacing water and sewer lines across multiple neighborhoods and completing over 20 kilometres of road renewal,” Mayor Smook says. “It is the largest infrastructure project outside Winnipeg ever announced by the province.”

Construction has impacted areas including Juniper, Deerwood, and Westwood, with one final year of major work planned.

“People are tired of construction,” Mayor Smook admits. “But it is absolutely a good news story for Thompson.”

Strengthening Quality of Life and Preparedness

Recreation investment is highlighted by a new pool project now valued at $42 million and scheduled to open next August. Originally estimated at $20 million, the project reflects rising construction costs and expanded scope.

“The province has stepped up in a big way,” Mayor Smook says. “We are just finalizing the last few million dollars that the city will raise through sponsorships and partnerships.”

Thompson has also taken decisive action in response to growing wildfire risks. This summer, fires came within 10 to 11 kilometres of the city, prompting the creation of extensive fire guard buffer lines and the acquisition of new fire suppression equipment.

“If we have resources here, we share them,” Mayor Smook says. “The North has to work together.”

Enhancing Essential Services

Fire mitigation efforts impacted Thompson’s Millennium Trail, prompting community discussion about how the space should evolve.

“It has changed from a forested trail to more of a river view,” Mayor Smook explains. “Now we are working with residents to rejuvenate and enhance it.”

Healthcare remains a top priority. Thompson hosted a mobile MRI unit throughout the summer, with plans underway for a permanent MRI presence. The city continues to advocate for a new hospital and a new fire station, both critical to meeting current and future demand.

“Our fire station was built in 1971,” Mayor Smook says. “We have completely outgrown the space.”

Partnerships with the University College of the North support local training for nurses and tradespeople, strengthening workforce capacity across Northern Manitoba.

Delivering on Vision and Momentum

As major projects near completion, Thompson is entering a period in which years of planning and investment will deliver lasting benefits.

“In the next year, we will see the airport open, the pool completed, and major road projects finished,” Mayor Smook says. “Altogether, it represents close to $300 million in investment.”

The city will also host the 2026 Manitoba Winter Games, welcoming approximately 1,300 youth athletes and their families, showcasing Thompson’s strong volunteer culture and community spirit.

“We always step up,” Mayor Smook reflects. “We showcase the very best of Thompson and the North.”

As her term winds down, Mayor Smook emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking leadership that understands the North’s role within the province.

“For too long, people said nothing happens in the North,” she says. “We have shown what is possible when we partner, advocate, and believe in our communities.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Thompson, Manitoba

What: A city defined by its role as a service, transportation, and economic hub.

Where: Northern Manitoba

Website: www.thompson.ca