City plans village waterfront.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT: CONFERENCE, CONVENTION AND EVENT PLANNING

Only a few years ago, any discussion of revitalizing Thunder Bay's waterfront development could spark a major argument at city hall.

Political in-fighting eventually scuttled the Portside mega-attraction and left many wondering what was the future of the former Saskatchewan Pool 6 grain elevator property.

Today, the city's waterfront is a source of optimism.

Mark Bentz, chairman of the newly formed Waterfront Development Committee, says a determined group of city councillors and citizens, armed with $7.5 million from this year's municipal budget, will make it happen.

"It's a very important project for the community and I give it the highest priority alongside economic development," says Bentz, also a first-term city councillor.

"(Portside) was big and shiny, but went nowhere," says Bentz. This time, the committee and their consultants are presenting to the public a home-grown proposal to expand and renovate nearby Marina Park with a mixed-use concept they think will appeal to alll

"We've certainly taken a much different approach this time and we're certainly not handing the property (over) to any developer."

What they have in mind is making the waterfront an even bigger drawing card by creating a gathering place for festival-goers, vendors and tourists.

Though still very much in the grassroots stage, tentative plans call for waterfront condos, restaurant and retail space, hotel with conference facilities, an arts centre, 50 more marina slips, docking for cruise ships and a more well-rounded and defined vision to create a village-type environment to 'work, live and play.'

The City's Highest and Best Use study says a multi-use venue makes the most sense for a sustainable and successful park. Much emphasis is being placed on the ability to attract private investment and not duplicate what already exists elsewhere in the community.

"There's going to be a number of features that are the defining element for this park," says Bentz. The concept will play heavily on Thunder Bay's transportation heritage, incorporating the historic CN station and Customs House, a new berth for a museum ship and space for the proposed Superior Adventure Tour Train.

Bentz says the city is close to acquiring the retired Great Lakes passenger steamer Keewatin, currently moored in Douglas, Mich.

His committee and their consultants will flesh out some of the concepts, with public input, to solidify the Waterfront Village concept to present to any interested developers by...