THUNDER BAY -- The High Street retaining wall won't have its traditional rock face when it's rebuilt this summer but it will look like rock.
Council ordered its administration to tender the $2.4-million project with a precast pressed concrete exterior on Monday, bringing a long debate to a close.
Other options included restoring the "rubble" stone and commissioning a mural commemorating the city's contribution to the First World War.
"I like the plan. I think the wall they're going to put up, it's really nice," said Red River Coun. Brian McKinnon, who has watched the wall rise to become a top infrastructure issue in his ward over nearly three years. He was relieved to have it settled.
"They're going to use some of the old brick they're taking down on some of the stairs to maintain some of that as well. It's going to be very attractive."
McKinnon compared the construction choice to a similar structure on Belrose Road.
Couns. Frank Pullia, Aldo Ruberto and Paul Pugh cast dissenting votes.
Engineers have expressed concerns over the wall since 2008. The latest reports have referred to the wall as being in the poorest condition among all municipally-owned structures. Its rehabilitation was deferred when council passed the city's 2016 budget and city administration insisted it be included in 2017.
"This project cannot be deferred. The structure must be stabilized," reads a report administration submitted to council this week.
"There is no evidence to support that the structure behind the stone and mortar face is sound. If replacement does not proceed in 2017, safeguards must be put in place to protect public safety."
While city engineering director Kayla Dixon eased concerns the leaning wall could collapse onto High Street, she advised council Cornwall Avenue at the top of the wall is at risk.
"I believe the wall needs to be replaced and there is jeopardy of localized failures," she said.
Rodney Brown led a movement to keep the "rubble" rock exterior. He left the meeting immediately following council's decision.
"They want fake rock, they can have fake rock," Brown said in frustration.
