Making waves in city's downtown core.

• Author: Stewart, Nick
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT: NORTH BAY

Although a proposed series of developments for North Bay's waterfront is still years away from completion, it's already having a visible impact on the downtown core, according to the manager of a downtown improvement association.

"People know that this is in the pipe and they're already trying to get in on the ground floor," says Jeff Serran, manager of Downtown North Bay.

"They're starting to buy up buildings and open new offices and businesses, which is smart because property values are only going to increase from here."

Even existing businesses beginning to implement a series of facade improvements. He says this is an attempt to be prepared for the boom expected to hit the downtown when the city and a citizens group called the Community Waterfront Friends (CWF) complete their vision of the waterfront's development.

Though several phases have already been completed at the 50-acre waterfront, including the establishment of carousels and mini-trains, the project encompasses a much grander vision, according to Rod Johnston, CWF's chairman.

The next phase in this vision involves the development of an underpass below the CP tracks, connecting parts of the downtown cut off by the railyard with the waterfront.

The $6.5 million project has already seen some funding from the city, which provided $1.5 million, and the provincial government, which is providing $3.5 million. The remainder is being sought from a variety of sources, including FedNor, in anticipation of being able to begin building the tunnel by next summer. In the meantime, a series of underground conduits will be built by the CP tracks this fall in order to house hydro lines and sewer systems when the park is later established.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

When complete, the 24-foot-wide, 100-foot-long underpass will link the heart of the downtown core to the waterfront proper, allowing for another mini-train to carry passengers from one end to the other. It's also slated to accommodate foot traffic and snowmobiles in the winter.

Next year is also slated to see the widening of the adjacent Oak Street, which will be rebuilt to feature 20-foot-wide sidewalks. This will allow for and encourage patio restaurants to overlook the park, Johnston says.

Following these efforts, the rail yards will shaped and grassed over for a greener appearance. This paves the way for 2010, when the 38-acre former CN Rail lot is expected to feature a complete series of waterfront attractions, including a children's...