THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s city council took what leaders framed as a transformative step for the city’s south end on Monday, okaying a multi-million dollar plan to replace the struggling Victoriaville mall.
Council itself could be in for a transformation after approving the terms for a comprehensive review of its own size and composition in time for the next municipal election in 2026.
Council OKs Victoriaville plan
Council approved a recommended $17.5-million plan to replace the Victoriaville Centre, setting a budget and high-level design ahead of the mall’s demolition next year.
The project, which was welcomed enthusiastically by council, will reconstruct Victoria Avenue as a through street and add a new pedestrian boulevard along Syndicate where the mall once stood.
City leaders are betting the changes, which will add more trees and greenery as well as patio and retail display space, help spur activity and development in the south core.
Terms set for city council review
A review that could transform Thunder Bay’s city council is set to proceed after councillors approved timelines and terms of reference for the six-member committee that will lead the process.
Nearly every defining feature of council, from its size to the city’s unusual hybrid ward/at-large model, will be up for grabs in the review.
The committee is expected to deliver its report by late 2024, allowing time for any changes to be implemented before the 2026 election.
Fort William Gardens up for facelift
Council awarded a $1.4-million contract to replace much of the Fort William Gardens' exterior envelope to DRD Construction Services.
Along with other insulation upgrades like replacing some doors and windows that date to the Fort William Gardens’ opening in 1951, the work will help slash energy costs and carbon emissions while extending the aging arena's lifespan.
Digital strategy
Staff offered an update on implementation of the city’s first-ever digital strategy, approved in 2021.
Work completed so far includes moving services including building permits and campground booking online, expanding public wifi to 33 new city spaces, and providing real-time data access to city workers including firefighters and bylaw officers while in the field.
The city has moved ahead with expansions to implement the strategy, adding a GIS and data coordinator and a new IT delivery section.
Work not yet completed includes an electronic fare system for Thunder Bay Transit, an online portal for water and childcare billing, and online bookings for parks.
CEDC touts results
The city’s economic development agency touted what it called encouraging results in its annual report to council.
CEO Jamie Taylor highlighted Monday’s announcement that Avalon Advanced Materials had purchased an abandoned industrial property in hopes of developing a lithium processing facility in her remarks, calling that great news for the community.
She pointed to a regional mining expansion and a boom in cruise ship visits as other positives, while expressing hope the federal government will build on a northern immigration pilot program set to expire next year.
The CEDC reported a “remarkable recovery” in the local tourism sector earlier this year.
