THUNDER BAY — Part of a popular hiking trail near Boulevard Lake is being closed for three days this week.
It's to allow Infrastructure Ontario to prepare for environmental remediation on the government-owned property behind the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital.
A government spokesperson referred only to "waste removal" being required, but a number of years ago a quantity of roofing shingles was dumped along a ditch beside a gravel trail.
In order to remove the shingles, Infrastructure Ontario first needs to clear out some vegetation around the dump site.
The ministry had several holes drilled into the ground near the dump-site in 2020 as part of an apparent effort to test for contaminants, but the results have not been made public.
Werner Schwar, supervisor of parks and open spaces planning for the City of Thunder Bay, said Monday some of the work to be done this week "might cross the imaginary boundary line between where the LPH lands are and the city park lands. It's just some environmental remediation."
Schwar said he understands that in order to protect nesting habitat, trees cannot be removed after April 15.
That work will be done from April 2 to April 4, he said, and restoration work will be undertaken in the summer when the ground is thawed.
A spokesperson for Infrastructure Ontario said the site's ecology will be restored by planting tree species native to the area along the section of the trail that has to be cleared.
Signs and barriers will be installed at each end of the closed portion of the path.
The paved recreation trail between Lyon Boulevard West and Toledo Street will remain open and available to residents during this time.
"We greatly appreciate residents' patience and cooperation as this important restoration work is completed, ensuring this popular trail remains safe and enjoyable for everyone," Schwar said.
