Thunder Bay waterfront draft plan focuses on 'active recreation'

The consultantsfor Thunder Bay's draft master plan for the waterfront south of Pearl Street say they're delivering on what they heard from the public.

Thunder Bay city council got a first look at the plan at its meeting Monday night.

The draft proposal includes a large, multi-purpose field and a cultural campus that would house the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

It also includes an apple orchard and a forested area with trails and a wetland channel that would transform into a skating trail in winter.

Consultant Jessica Hawes told council that people who spoke at their public meetingswanted a natural space to compliment the more manicured Prince Arthur's Landing.

"A focus on active recreation was something we heard very clearly, especially from the school children when we met with them," Hawes said."The idea of having an additional place on the waterfront that is more activity based, in terms of getting out, exercising,enjoying the outdoors."

The plan also preserves elements of the waterfront's heritage, such as an old jetty.

The proposed development would take place gradually between now and 2023.

Improvement to festival area

Longer term (after 2023) the plan proposes the development of a privately owned and operated health and wellness centre that pays homage to the sauna and spa traditions of Thunder Bay's Finnish settlers.

It also proposes expanding the cultural campus to include an aboriginal cultural centre, which it envisions as a roundhouse and sweat lodge.

In addition to planning development for the Pool 6 and Tug Boat Basin area of the waterfront, the master plan update also recommends improvements to the festival area at Prince Arthur's Landing.

Specifically, it proposes creating a permanent band shell at the north end of the viewing area and closing part of Saul Laskin Drive to expand the viewing area.

CouncillorLarry Hebert noted the residents of the neighbouring condo complex were not consulted on the proposed change.

"Mr. Commisso, when he retires, is going to get a lot of free concerts," he joked, referring to city manager Tim Commisso.

"Why weren't they consulted?" Hebert asked."That's going to send the noise right towards them."

Hawes replied that the condos weren't occupied when the consultation process took place.

Finally, the city's consultants reviewed nine possible locations for a marina expansion. Tug Boat Basin was the lowest ranked because the consultants determined it had the highest cost per slip.

The highest ranked location was near the old pool two elevator.

The master plan update will now be posted on the city's web site for comment.

The final master plan update will go to council for a vote on Aug. 31.