THUNDER BAY – City council discussed two different ways to support the recovery of local businesses Monday, approved repairs to the Marina Park pedestrian overpass, and pushed back on a report from Thunder Bay police recommending a new headquarters with a hefty price tag.
Councillors look for alternatives to $52 million new police HQ
Several councillors expressed misgivings over the estimated $52 million price tag for a proposed new headquarters for the Thunder Bay Police Service.
A report received by city council in March recommended a new, significantly larger police station at a different location, saying the move would be cheaper than renovating the existing building.
A motion from Coun. Trevor Giertuga, passed unanimously, asks the Police Services Board to consider alternative options including satellite offices.
A report evaluating that alternative, alongside the possibilities of a new building and renovations, will now come before council in September.
Repairs to close Marina Park pedestrian overpass
Council approved $1.3 million in badly-needed structural repairs to the pedestrian overpass at Marina Park. The work will see the structure closed and removed for about 12 weeks, beginning in July.
Councillors acknowledged public concerns that the structure had become a magnet for loitering and drug use. City administration said recent increases to cleaning and security had reduced public complaints.
While the work should extend the life of the structure by about 20 years, several councillors expressed the desire to see it eventually replaced with a street-level crossing.
City looks to boost patio program for restaurants
The city will look for ways to expand its pop-up patio program, which encourages restaurants to add temporary patios during the summer months.
Mayor Mauro moved to consider measures like street closures and waiving fees in order to grow the program, saying the move could help businesses struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pilot program, launched in 2018, has previously seen little uptake, as businesses complained of delays and red tape.
City administration will report back to council on ways to expand uptake on June 15.
Mayor champions grant program for businesses
Mayor Bill Mauro championed the adoption of a program to support businesses in core areas by waiving planning fees and subsidizing revitalization projects.
The initiative, known as a Community Improvement Plan, would apply to businesses in the north and south downtowns and the Westfort and Bay & Algoma business districts.
Mauro said while the program might not have a major impact, it was another tool available to support local businesses hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
City administration will report back with suggested parameters for the program on June 15.
