Current status

Terms of reference: approved, June 10, 2010

Project summary

The purpose of the undertaking is to develop a preferred land use concept for the new marina and pool 6 lands, reclaiming a derelict stretch of land and water along the waterfront for year-round public use.

Proponent

City of Thunder Bay

Location

City of Thunder Bay

Type

Other

Reference number 

09002

Contact

Environmental Assessment Branch

Project history

Terms of reference: approved
Date submitted: March 12, 2010
Expiry of public comment period:  April 12, 2010
Decision date: June 10, 2010

Terms of reference

Purpose of the study

The City plans to proceed with the development of the new marina and Pool 6 Lands as part of its efforts to revitalize the Thunder Bay waterfront and the adjacent downtown. This is an individual environmental assessment that will develop a preferred land use concept for these lands, reclaiming a derelict stretch of land and water along the waterfront for year-round public use. This project is included in the City’s Strategic Plan as an initiative to renew and revitalize Thunder Bay’s waterfront and downtown.

The Thunder Bay waterfront was originally developed for grain shipping and industry. With the switch to railway and then road shipment, much of the area has been abandoned and left derelict. Efforts over the past 40 years have redeveloped parts of the waterfront into accessible parkland and amenities, though this has not included the New Marina and Pool 6 lands, which remain generally barren and underused. Opportunities for the lands include their proximity to the downtown core; the potential to attract and retain residents and create employment; the potential to attract tourists; the redevelopment of a brownfield site for the benefit of the citizens of Thunder Bay; and the creation of a vibrant waterfront which will act as an economic catalyst for the region and the City.

Study area

The Project Study Area includes the New Marina and Pool 6 lands, an area of approximately 24.3 hectares, bordered on the west by the CN Rail line, the south by the southern edge of the Pool 6 Lands, and in the east by the eastern edge of the Pool 6 Lands and Lake Superior including the nearshore and City-owned water lots. In the north, the area extends to the northern end of the existing marina parking lot, not including the Wilson St. Headland.