September 4, 2009 – Development at Prince Arthur’s Landing is moving into the construction phase, which means that access to areas of the park undergoing construction will be restricted. These changes to access will begin on September 14 with the mobilization of contractors on site.
The north half of the park, which includes the festival area, playground and skateboard plaza, will remain open to the public and accessible via the Howe Street overpass (pedestrians and vehicles) and Camelot Street (pedestrians). For safety reasons related to construction traffic, the Pearl Street entrance to Marina Park will be closed to all public traffic, including pedestrians and vehicles, with the exception of boaters who are contract holders. All of Marina Park south of the Skateboard/BMX Plaza, including the Red River Road pedestrian overpass, will be closed to the public.
For those citizens looking for alternatives during construction, there are various locations that cater to recreational and mountain biking, hiking and children’s play areas nearby including Boulevard Lake, Centennial Park, the Canada Games Complex and the mutli-use trail along McVicar Creek.
For those that require boat launch facilities, alternatives to Marina Park include Mckellar Island, Mission Launch, Current River Launch, Silver Habour Conservation Area, Little Trout Bay Conservation Area, Nipigon Marina and Red Rock Marina.
Although the Minister of the Environment has received two requests from individuals seeking to have Prince Arthur’s Landing subject to a more lengthy and complex individual environmental assessment, the City is proceeding with preparation for construction of project works not subject to the Minister’s decision. The Minister will make a decision regarding this request in mid to late September.
Phase one of waterfront development will focus on preparing Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park for recreational, commercial and residential development. This work includes site preparation and infrastructure improvements, which will lay the foundation for the implementation of the master plan.
Regular Prince Arthur’s Landing construction and news updates will be available on the City’s website, and in a Waterfront Development E-Newsletter starting in the next few weeks. For more information on alternative recreation sites, visit www.thunderbay.ca and look in the Recreation and Parks section.
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Contact: Katherine Dugmore, Waterfront Project Manager, 625-2406
