Thunder Bay infrastructure report reveals hefty repair list

Most of the city of Thunder Bay's infrastructure needs expensive repairs, according to a new report from city hall.

A report card from city administration gives the city an overall grade of C, meaning most infrastructure is in fair condition, with some evident deterioration.

The document indicates the water and sewage plant, as well as the storm sewer lines, are in excellent shape.

But watermains and roads need lots of work. Upgrading roads alone will require $20 million a year.

But the infrastructure that requires the most work is sidewalks. More than 70 per cent of them are described as in poor or critical condition.

Council now needs to decide what to do.

Two plans are recommended to achieve full infrastructure funding one spans 11 years, while the other spans 19 years.

The plans include using debt to pay for road and waterworks repairs, or increasing water rates.

Council will make decisions on what infrastructure needs a priority, and how to pay for the work, when budget discussions start next month.

Asset report quick facts:

• Thunder Bay has about $3 billion in assets.
• Sanitary sewer makes up 20 per cent, roads make up 18 per cent, water system makes up 19 per cent, city buildings are 14 per cent, and the storm sewer system makes up 10 per cent.
• To replace all city infrastructure, it would cost each household $59,301.
• The city report notes its transportation fleet is faring well. About 61 per cent of city buses, trucks, and so on, are in fair condition or above.
• The report notes Thunder Bay bridges get a B overall.
• City facilities like buildings, hockey arenas, and so on, received a C rating. About 34 per cent of those buildings are in fair condition, and another 34 per cent are in good or excellent condition.