THUNDER BAY – One of the city’s most popular recreation areas will be significantly impacted by construction over the next two years. Repairs to the Boulevard Lake dam, set to begin later this year, mean the walkway over the dam will be closed, while activities like swimming and boating will be suspended.
The city opened tenders for the project today, revealing contractors have submitted bids ranging in price from about $7.5 million to $17 million. That’s a large spread on initial city estimates of $11 million to $12 million.
Much of that cost will be covered by federal funds secured through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The city received $13.2 million through the fund in 2019 to support dam repairs and a number of sewage and stormwater projects
The work largely involves concrete repairs and structural work, but users will see some improvements as well. The city is using the opportunity to widen the path over the dam to standard trail width and install path lighting, as well as some aesthetic lighting on the dam itself. The gatehouse adjacent to the dam is also expected to be demolished and replaced with a viewing area.
“The everyday public and the users of the dam will definitely see some improvements when the project’s complete,” says Mike Vogrig, a project engineer with the city.
In the meantime, though, cyclists and pedestrians will be unable to complete the popular loop around the lake, without diverting east to Cumberland Street. Vogrig expects the walkway to be closed for the full two-year construction period.
Impacts to activities on the lake could be limited to 2020, when water levels will be lowered. That means kayakers and dragon boat racers will have to find alternate venues, while the public beach will likely be closed through the summer. Vogrig is hopeful the lake will be ready for public use again in 2021.
Vogrig expects a recommendation on awarding the contract will come before city council in April or early May. He says most of the contractors are local, but include some from southern Ontario. The bids are not considered final until the details are reviewed by the city in the coming days.
