THUNDER BAY — Empty storefronts in Thunder Bay's south core could entice new tenants as the result of a collaborative effort between the Fort William Business District and the Community Economic Development Commission.

The two are promoting a number of available properties in a special open house Monday, Oct. 15 evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The locations are billed as "some of the most affordable commercial real estate in town."

Piero Pucci, supervisor of economic development with the CEDC, says many new businesses start up "in people's basements, and when they try to scale up, they try to find affordable properties. We've identified the south core area as having potential opportunities for small business startups."

Monday's open house event features five locations comprised of 12 different units. 

Three of the vacant store sites are in Victoriaville.

"There's a variety of different properties available for lease, sale, or rent. They could be used for a food business or a tech company or a medical office," Pucci said.

This is the first time the CEDC has been involved in this kind of event, but Pucci said it is part of the organization's job to support business development on a daily basis.

"We help a lot of companies who are trying to look for space in the city, or people trying to invest in the city. We help facilitate this."

He said the CEDC works with all four business associations in Thunder Bay, and may consider hosting an open house in other areas.