“The City of Thunder Bay is in an amazing state of economic transition..." J. L. Susin

May 5, 2008
Net Newsledger
Written by: J. L. Susin

The City of Thunder Bay is in an amazing state of economic transition, and it is very evident when touring neighborhoods across town.  Progress Report will give you an inside scoop on the latest developments happening in and around Northwestern Ontario's Regional Centre.

I'd like to start by pointing out that Victoria Village has seen a lot of new investment this spring, and there is more to come.  

Upgrades to Victoriaville Mall and parkade are nearing completion, with two new major anchors. Startek, and St Joseph Care Group, both are now operating at the newly revitalized mall employing hundreds of people who lunch, and socialize in the much brighter livelier centre.  

Demolition and construction work at the former Mckellar General Hospital is also well on the way, with a new street front design for the building.

Seniors home, opportunity for a call centre, and a brand new Shoppers Drug Mart super store.  Other projects for Victoriaville will include construction of the proposed new Courthouse, seniors care Centre of Excellence and planned upgrades to City Hall.  Street beautification work is also coming along nicely adding to the south core's appeal.

Another area slated for major construction projects this spring, is the Intercity shopping district.  

Construction has already started on the Marriot Suites Hotel, while Shindico Development is also slated to start work on Harbour Crossing.  

Harbour Crossing is going to be the new home for The Brick, BMO, and a new Swiss Chalet.  

Bruno's Contracting has also decided to move its current industrial lot out of the Intercity area in favor of the Innova Park industrial zone. This move will open up more potential for commercialization of the area.

The Heart of the Harbour will also have its fair share of investment this spring, as work on phase 1 of Prince Arthur's Landing starts up.  Work will include a bold and exciting skateboard plaza, improvements to the Festival Area and Stage, Interim docking, sheet wall, lake fill, and children's boating area.

As Thunder Bay's housing market holds steady, work also continues on a new north-side high school on Balsam Street.

River Terrace continues growing at an amazing rate, and is almost filled to capacity.  

New streets are being built in Rock cliff and Parkdale, creating new neighborhoods for the city.  

Stay tuned to Progress Report, as I unveil plans for Lakehead University's new Law School, The LU's Bio Refinery Forest Research Centre. Flying J Travel Plaza and, International Collabrative Research Centre's expansion.