Ceremonial shovels struck dirt at Thunder Bay’s waterfront in June, a ceremonial but significant step forward in the creation of Prince Arthur’s Landing.
Waterfront development has been a local issue off and on for decades, but this year the discussion turned into construction following $29.3 million from the provincial and federal governments. The money, community impact and debate generated makes the waterfront tbnewswatch.com’s top news story of 2009.
"It’s a marvelous day for Thunder Bay," said Coun. Mark Bentz, chair of the waterfront development committee, during the June groundbreaking ceremony. "Thunder Bay is going to become the progressive city it once was and we have a strong future ahead of us. This project is just the beginning."
Not everyone was as optimistic as Coun. Bentz. Critics were vocal and continued to fight the project shortly after that groundbreaking ceremony.
Residents sent written requests to the Ministry of the Environment asking for the environmental assessment required for the project to be bumped up. The project remained in limbo as the MOE looked into the bump up request.
Had the MOE agreed and forced the project into a full environmental assessment, it could have delayed construction for two to three years.
The MOE gave the waterfront development project the green light in September after concluding a full environmental assessment would be unnecessary. Members of the Friends of Marina Park group said they disagreed with and were disappointed in the MOE’s decision.
The construction of Prince Arthur’s Landing doesn’t end with 2009. The debate surrounding the project will also likely continue through 2010.
The lasting impact the project will have on the community, and the enthusiasm it creates among supporters and opponents makes this the top news story of 2009.
