THUNDER BAY - An area of Simpson Street that has seen several buildings burned could get a new look in the near future.
A major $5 million reconstruction project has been ongoing in the area, which has included replacement of sewer, water and stormwater pipes and resurfacing roadways and street lights on multiple roads such as Dease, Ogden, Cameron, and Simpson streets.
The work on Simpson Street will end at Robertson Street at the end of the construction season with final paving taking place next year.
But McKellar Ward councillor Brian Hamilton said the city will be taking a more comprehensive look at the corner of Simpson Street and Rowand Street, known as Charry Corner.
“I think there is a tremendous opportunity to design that corner that is not only attractive but addresses the desires and needs of the community in that neighbour,” Hamilton said. “It’s a historic district, there is a lot of potential there for housing services and business opportunities, so we want to make sure we get it right.”
The corner has been a source of frustration for residents in the area as several buildings have burned down or stand abandoned.
Hamilton said one building has already been torn down and in the coming weeks another section of buildings will be coming down.
“We are currently conducting a study of what we can do with that block,” he said. “It’s an interesting piece of property. It’s on a main arterial, it’s in close proximity to the train tracks, so we are investigating possibilities for that site. Hopefully when we do the road construction next year we can build the services into that construction plan to service that site to its highest and best use.”
The study into the use for Charry Corner is outside of the engineering work taking place on Simpson Street and is expected to take several months.
The roadwork in the corner’s vicinity is expected to begin in the spring but Hamilton said hopefully by that time there will be opportunities for beautification of the area as well.
He added with Victoriaville being torn town, opening up the downtown south core, it’s an exciting time for the historic neighbourhood.
“It’s actually a really exciting time to showcase the area and celebrate the beautiful and historic nature of the neighbourhood,” he said.
