August 1, 2012

First phase of Thunder Bay, Ontario waterfront development project completed

THUNDER BAY, ONT.

The first phase of the Prince Arthur’s Landing waterfront development project in Thunder Bay, Ont. has been completed.

Phase One of the project, located at Marina Park, involved the construction of a Water Garden Pavilion, an Art’s centre, a splash pad that transforms into a skating rink during winter months, and the unique “Spirit Garden” that will allow people to participate in recreational and cultural activities.

Additional work to improve the waterfront included the renewal and expansion of the trails, relocation of the breakwalls, and installation of electrical services, water systems and foundation piles for piers.

“This project was about building our community, and it has already had a very positive impact on our economy by creating hundreds of jobs, and employing dozens of local companies,” said Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs in a news release.

“The sheer size and scope of this project is amongst the largest in our city’s history, and it represents an investment by all levels of government and the private sector of well over $100 million.”

The governments of Canada and Ontario contributed $14.65 million each toward eligible project costs through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Through the Northern Ontario Development Program, the federal government contributed an additional $2 million towards the design and contract administration, and $47,000 for an economic impact study and project business plan.

The Ontario government, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, contributed an additional $5 million towards infrastructure and public attractions to facilitate additional private sector investments and $100,000 towards an advanced energy study and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The City of Thunder Bay contributed the remaining balance of the total project cost of $58 million.

Canada’s first dedicated long-term infrastructure plan, the Building Canada Plan, expires in 2014.

The federal government is currently holding a series of meetings throughout the country with provinces, territories, municipalities and other key stakeholders to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan for Canada.

In addition to the nationwide meetings, the federal government will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and private sector representatives at the end of the summer.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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