THUNDER BAY — Hundreds of thousands of dollars in improvements are underway at the commercial fishing docks and public boat launch at the mouth of the Current River.
The facility – also known as Fisherman's Wharf – is on city property leased by the federal government since 1985, but a proposal is in the works to transfer it to the city's direct control.
Before that happens, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is investing up to $800,000 to bring the site up to standard.
The work includes replacing concrete decks on each of three jetties, and installing new safety bollards, fenders and ladders, as well as replacing lights, installing a new water service, replacing the launch ramp and regrading the parking lot.
The docks are used seasonally by half a dozen local commercial fishing operators, but the property is one of only four public access points to the harbour on city-owned land, the others being the marina and two locations on the Kam River.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada first contacted the city about transferring the facility six years ago.
After an engineering study was done, the government and the city came to an agreement last year on what work was needed to rehabilitate the site.
That work was announced in August by MP Patty Hajdu, and it is well underway.
"They've gone ahead with the improvements prior to city administration getting direction" from city council to proceed with the transfer arrangement, says Manager of Parks & Open Spaces Cory Halvorsen.
Halvorsen said administration is expected to present a report on the proposal later this year.
If the transfer happens, the city will continue leasing dock space to the commercial fishers, but there's potential for the city to make other changes at the site later.
Halvorsen said that may be touched on in the upcoming report.
The city already has plans for expansion and improvements to the rest of the Fisherman's Park area, specifically on the opposite side of the Current River.
