Thunder Bay

Red River Road to be examined for closure

On Monday night, city councillors in Thunder Bay will examine the possibility of closing a portion of Red River Road to vehicular traffic.
A proposal from Councillor Trevor Giertuga includes the potential of closing off this portion of Red River Road, between Court and Cumberland Streets to vehicular traffic. (wikipedia.org)

City councillors in Thunder Bay will examine the possibility of closing off a portion of Red River Road to vehicular traffic at their meeting Monday night.

Councillor Trevor Giertuga will table a motion, asking for administration to look into the feasibility of closing a section of the road from Court to Cumberland Streets, and making it more attractive to pedestrians.

The memo to council notes the request is due to a number of new businesses in the 'Entertainment District.'
Jim Comuzzi, chair of the Waterfront District Business Improvement Association in Thunder Bay, says he welcomes any public investment in the downtown north core. (Waterfront District BIA)

Waterfront District Business Improvement Association chair Jim Comuzzi said he supports any study of development in the north core.

"Whether it's taking out a thoroughfare of the drive altogether or to limit it or to expand the sidewalks, we've gotta do something," he said.

Comuzzi said many businesses have invested in their storefronts, and would welcome some public investment in the neighbourhood.

"Hopefully we can do something to our main thoroughfare, Red River Road, and can really give ourselves the boost in the arm that we need, " said Comuzzi.