A large wolf mural painted by Charles Johnston, and based on Robert Bateman's painting Wolf Sketch, is featured on the side of Highland Tower in the city. (Bobak Ha'Eri)

A northern Manitoba city plans to build a new economy based around the wolf, the same way Churchill has done with polar bears and beluga whales.

The plan for Thompson is being spearheaded by a group called Spirit Way, which is co-ordinated by Volker Beckmann, an entrepreneur from that city.

“We can link Winnipeg to Thompson to Churchill in this very iconic species of different animals we have in our province — from bison to polar bears to beluga whales and now wolves,” said Beckmann.

Beckmann says a wolf economy could be off and running within three years. It won't take long because it builds on what the region already has in great numbers.

“There is a worldwide infatuation and interest with wolves,” he said.

Beckman said the group is circulating a discussion paper to government and other stakeholders about the plan. It includes a wolf research centre and an international conference to be held in October.

A wolf economy could include research, conservation, education, festivals and events, he noted.

Thompson, which has a population of 12,829, is located 739 kilometres north of Winnipeg.