THUNDER BAY — More than three years after its last tenant vacated the premises, the CN station remains an unfinished component of the redevelopment of Thunder Bay's waterfront.
To date, there is no sign the historic structure will be put to use anytime soon.
Winnipeg-based ReSolve Group, the developer of two nearby condominium buildings and the Delta Hotel, holds a 60-year lease on the city-owned property.
Company President Gisele MacDonald has not responded to recent inquiries from Tbnewswatch, but Joel DePeuter, manager of Realty Services for the city, said "it's been empty for quite awhile, but it's time to change that."
The terms of the lease are confidential.
However, speaking in general terms, DePeuter said the agreement requires the former railway station "to be open for business and to maintain and operate the building."
He said the lease also lays out "objectives" for the types of businesses to be operated out of the building.
"Businesses that are associated with the hotel or park, or both...Things that are consistent with a tourism-type destination," DePeuter said.
In an interview with Tbnewswatch, he said confidentiality provisions forbid him from disclosing whether ReSolve Group has met all mandated deadlines for development.
"There was a requirement to be open for business at a particular time, and that was met" with the opening of the Breakwater Tap House in 2014, DePeuter said.
The business only operated in the station until 2016.
A sign posted outside the building by ReSolve's property management arm states it is still available for lease, with floor space ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 square feet.
The company's website carries a notice that says "Commercial redevelopment of CN Building now underway. The CN building will provide meeting facilities and conference areas for the new Delta Hotel as well as commercial/retail space."
The city has to approve any subtenants the developer signs up.
"They've spoken for us from time to time about things that they're working on. I think now that the hotel is complete, discussions will be more focused," DePeuter said.
Asked if city administration is concerned, he said "I wouldn't say we aren't concerned. It's important, so we're going to be working on it. It's an important piece of Prince Arthur's Landing."
Councillor Mark Bentz, the former chair of council's now-defunct Waterfront Development Committee, said council is not involved with the details at this point, but he understands city staff are continuing to work with ReSolve Group "to get something going there."
"Certainly we'd like to see development go there and services to serve the public there. That was the intent of entering into those agreements," Bentz said.
The councillor noted that some aspects of waterfront redevelopment have not happened "as quickly as some have wanted down there, that's for sure."
