THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is asking residents to weigh in on the future of Chippewa Park. The removal of the Chippewa breakwater, erosion control, and increased fish habitat are three planned improvements on which the city is seeking feedback.
The changes are expected to improve water quality near the park’s main beach, which has faced chronic closures in recent years due to high E. coli bacteria counts. The beach was identified as part of the Thunder Bay Area of Concern in the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
The city, as well as the Friends of Chippewa Park association, hope the changes will see help the Area of Concern achieve delisting, as beach closings are one of the remaining impairments.
The breakwater and connected wooden dock are nearly 70 years old. The dock sustained heavy damage in a severe storm in October 2019, as did a wooden retaining wall installed along the beach by the Friends association.
The improvements will also address shoreline erosion issues, as well as minimizing runoff and sediment contamination.
Residents can read the draft plan prepared by JML Engineering and provide comments at the city’s website. Public input could help decide when the work takes place, as well as other implementation details.
The $75,000 cost of the engineering report was covered by a provincial grant, while the Friends of Chippewa Park have expressed hope the capital costs - expected to run well over $1 million - could be covered by the provincial and federal governments.
The association said earlier this year it hoped the work would be completed in time for the park’s 100th anniversary in 2021.
