Waterfront link: Sturgeon Falls redevelops bay area.

• Author: Cowan, Liz
• Position: CONSTRUCTION

A waterfront redevelopment project in Sturgeon Falls is being touted as a means to enhance tourism* and stimulate the downtown core.

The $10-million Minnehaha Bay project, which is nearing completion, includes a 6,700-square-foot building, new boat slips, a boardwalk and outdoor ampitheatre.

"The entire objective, when we looked at this project, was to stimulate tourism by increasing the volume of boats on (the Sturgeon) River and to enhance the quality of life for our residents," said West Nipissing Mayor Joanne Savage. "We wanted to see some type of link by boat and bring people to the downtown area since it is so close."

The new building houses a marina operated by a private business, KOA Campground. Twiggs Coffee Roasters, a North Bay-based business, will operate an outlet there and remaining space is available for a retail outlet.

"We foresee having a venture there that is sports-related and fits well with the marina and recreational activities," she said. "We want to enhance what we have in the town but want it to be different as well. It could be outdoor clothing and gear or even bike and kayak rentals."

The project was funded through the municipality ($1.5 million), and by the federal and provincial governments and private partners.

"If you are able to get the interests of local partners, and get local champions, a project becomes more successful," Savage said.

Sturgeon Falls Brush came on board and did the construction and the business agreed to operate the facility once it was completed. However, it pulled out of operating the facility due to other commitments but continued with the construction.

The municipality looked for another option for the facility and was close to having a deal with a restaurant operator before it, too, pulled out.

"So we thought do we need just one operator or can we enhance it further?" she said.

The marina started operating in mid-July and Twiggs is expected to be open by early September.

Minnehaha Bay is located close to the town's downtown and has long been an area used by the locals. Prior to the project, an old building was located there along with a few docks. It was also a favourite swimming spot but that activity has stopped due to the addition of the boat slips.

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