THUNDER BAY -- The two-year waterfront infrastructure improvement project is drawing to an end in Thunder Bay as area businesses prepare for the fast-approaching Christmas season.
Brian Newman, the city's project manager, said the work has progressed well and he anticipates Cumberland Street will open to traffic next week with Red River Road passable in November.
"We plan to (have Red River Road open) after Nov. 24," Newman said, adding he's optimistic to have it open before then but it depends if the weather co-operates. "Meanwhile we're going to keep working. We want to have all those patios open in the spring."
Newman praised Nadin Contracting, who he said did "an incredible job" despite incurring delays due to issues with some existing high-pressure gas lines in the Cumberland and Red River intersection this spring.
"That didn't delay moving forward with other things, but it definitely delayed that intersection," Newman said.
"We found more (bed) rock than we wanted, which was a problem. At the same time, we overcame the old streetcar rails and we had to service buildings that hadn't been touched for 120 years."
Work continues on the installation of tree planters, decorative granite planter walls, and finishing the paving stone surface.
The goal is to finish the north-side sidewalk, and temporarily pad the surface for the winter, which will act like a concrete road.
Newman pointed out that this section of Red River Road was designed to be closed, for a walkable, event-filled street.
"There isn't public parking, there's just loading zones and handicapped parking, that's it," he noted. "The parking is all the side streets and in the parkade."
He added one of the models was to close the section of street to traffic completely while another model was to make it one way.
"We kept both lanes going for people to slowly cruise through, find a parking spot and come back to patronize the businesses," he said.
"We wanted to be able to close it for longer-term events and summer events for the businesses."
Kara Pratt, executive director of the Waterfront District BIA, said the construction had presented challenges for many of the businesses, particularly in terms of access and visibility, however, Nadin Contracting and the city "worked hard" to minimize disruptions wherever possible. And the businesses demonstrated resilience.
Pratt said they're excited for the future and all the positive changes that are taking shape.
"The city's initiative of offering free two-hour parking on nearby streets has also been a great support, helping to boost foot traffic and keep the area vibrant," she said.
While some businesses have already started enhancing their storefronts and curb appeal, Pratt said it's still early to fully assess the long-term impact of the infrastructure improvements on individual business and building renovations.
The Waterfront District BIA has planned an event lineup that promotes local shopping and community connection. The 10th Anniversary Holiday Craft Revival will kick off festivities on Nov. 24, showcasing many artisans and activities. On Dec. 14, the waterfront district will host a special event to embrace the festive season.
-- Sandy Krasowski is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Chronicle-Journal.
