Council considers re-opening conservatory

The future of Thunder Bay’s Centennial Botanical Conservatory requires $76,000 in order to get the main section open to the public after falling glass forced the city to close the conservatory in early 2012.

On Monday night Thunder Bay city councillors will get their first look at a report that details what is needed for the project.

Both east and west wings with seasonal displays and a desert area will be closed permanently.

"Keeping part of it open is the short term fix," Councillor Andrew Foulds said, adding that the city needs a long-term plan.

Three other greenhouses — that were used for flower beds throughout the city, including sunken garden and Hillcrest Park —would also be decommissioned.

There has been no word on where the city will now get flowers for planting in municipal parks.

Administration says very little maintenance has been done on the conservatory over the past 45 years and the backlog is almost at $750,000.

Documents obtained by CBC News showed that city staff reported problems with the glass at least as far back as 2009.

The conservatory was opened in 1967 by the Fort William Parks Board.