Thunder Bay waterfront development open house attracts 70

About 70 people attended an open house in Thunder Bay on Thursday aimed at further developing the city`s waterfront.

Consulting firm Brook McIlroy took ideas from the public on what to do with the space south of Pearl Street, which is abandoned industrial land. 

The forum also looked at potential changes to the festival area at Marina Park, where events like the Thunder Bay Blues Festival and Summer in the Parks are held.

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Ideas included:

• A cruise ship landing and aquarium.
• Year-round recreation trails.
• A market area.
• Re-development of the festival area to accommodate more people.
• Re-configuring the band shell.
• Closing Saul Laskin Drive.
• Telling the story of the history of the waterfront.
• A campground.

"It is part of a larger vision that's going to make Thunder Bay not only a better place to be but a better place to visit," participant William Rutledge said.

No budgets yet

Participant Brenda Pressenger said she doesn't want to see work done like what's been built so far at Prince Arthur's Landing.

"It seems to be cluttering the area, so now that we're working on Phase 2, I would like to see the nature thought of, more so." 

The city says it's collecting input, with no budgets or timetables yet in place.

"As far as finding money for it, that's a different day," said participant Jon Powers. "But at least you've got an idea and you've got some thought behind it, which is always a good idea."

Jessica Hawes, a senior associate with Brook McIlroy, said the firm would prepare a summary of Thursday's discussions, then distill the recommendations down to a series of options.

Those options will be brought to the public next year, with a report to council to follow.