Thunder Bay's May Street to see $2.6M in improvements

Big improvements on May Street in Thunder Bay have been given the green light.

The $2.6 million job includes new sewers, water lines, streetlights, streetscaping and paving between Dease and Miles Streets.

City council approved the contract Monday night, but some councillors had concerns about the elimination of parking, or the amount of time it will take to complete the job.

Councillor Paul Pugh said council has to proceed with the project.

"We already decided we're going to do this. And, I suggest tonight, we go ahead, approve this contract, and get on with life," he said.

"I'll take the e-mails, I'll take the phone calls, don't worry. We've been through this before."

Once the job is complete, business owners will be satisfied with the improvements, he added.

"These are huge projects. And, it is inconvenient. But, we have all agreed that we're going to do this. And, part of doing it involves inconvenience for the residents and the businesses in the area."

The road is expected to be closed until October.

A stretch of May Street, from Southern Avenue to Dease Street, was refurbished last year. That work included new storm water and sanitary sewer pipes, as well as upgrades to sidewalks and lighting.

Pugh said many businesses in that stretch complained about the road closure, but are now happy with the work that was completed.