THUNDER BAY — There remains uncertainty as to when construction will resume at the site of the former Finnish Labour Temple.
The century-old building in the city’s Bay and Algoma district was destroyed by a massive fire on the night of Dec. 22, 2021.
Developer Brad McKinnon has pledged to rebuild, with the project starting in 2022. But after foundation work was completed late last year, construction activity has yet to resume on the site.
McKinnon was contacted by Dougall Media multiple times in the last few weeks, but has not received any indication of plans for this year’s construction season.
“No comment on construction at this point in time,” he said in a text message. “When we have more definite plans to start again I will let you know.”
The Finlandia Co-operative has plans to lease space in the new building to reopen the iconic Hoito Restaurant.
In a statement to Dougall Media, Finlandia Co-operative president Paula Haapanen acknowledged there has been public interest in the project.
“The Finlandia Co-operative is anxiously awaiting news of the start date for the continuing construction at 314 Bay Street,” Haapanen said on Wednesday.
“We get a lot of questions and at the moment we don’t have anything to say, so it would be really good to get an update at some point.”
City building officials confirmed a permit has been received for superstructure and plumbing work, valued at $1.1 million, though that permit has yet to be approved.
With files from TBT News
