Learn more about the development of Thunder Bay's waterfront with the detailed chronology below, showcasing the major events from the inception of the Waterfront Project in the mid-1960's through the mid 2000s.
1967 - The Waterfront Development Project develops from the Port Arthur Downtown Urban Renewal Scheme.
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View more information on the Port Arthur Downtown Urban Renewal Scheme |
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This map of the North area of the Waterfront is part of the Downtown Urban Renewal Scheme Map released in 1967.The Downtown Urban Renewal Scheme proposed that the Waterfront should be developed as a park setting. The map here shows various existing facilities and proposed facilities.On the map the northernmost road depicted is Court Street, the easternmost is Tupper Street, the southernmost is Water Street, and the westernmost is Bay Street.
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December 1971 - Brauer is commissioned to review and make recommendations for the development of Parks.
July 1972 - The Brauer Master Plan is completed. It suggests that the Marina be enlarged to provide more public access and a more park-like setting.
November 1972 - The first meeting of the Waterfront Development Plan Study Committee. Minutes are taken and Terms of Reference are established.
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View more information from the first meeting of the Waterfront Development Plan Study Committee |
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On November 30, 1972, the Waterfront Development Plan Study Committee met in City Hall for the first time. The minutes of the meeting and the Specific Terms of Reference the committee agreed upon appear below.
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July 1973 - The Waterfront Study’s First Public Meeting is held to discuss Lakefront Park and public proposals.
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View more information from the Waterfont Study's first public meeting. |
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On July 19, 1973, the Waterfront Plan Study Committee held an open forum and asked for public feedback on how to develop the Waterfront and Marina area from McVicar Street to Wilson's Creek. The second document shows the interested individuals and groups who were in attendance.
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October 1973 - Proctor & Redfern submit concept, circulation, and technical drawings of the Waterfront.
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View the technical drawings submitted |
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In October 1973, Proctor & Redfern released concept, circulation, and technical drawings of the north area of the Waterfront. Proctor & Redfern took the feedback from these drawings, and suggestions from a public forum, and produced the 1975 Thunder Bay Waterfront Park Report.
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December 1973 - Report on the Flora and Fauna of the Thunder Bay Waterfront Region was released.
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Read the report on the Flora and Fauna of the Thunder Bay Waterfron Region |
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In December 1973 this report on the flora and fauna of the Thunder Bay Waterfront was distributed. The report lists species of fish, birds, and mammals that live on the Waterfront. It goes into considerable detail regarding specific locations of sightings of the various flora and fauna.
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December 1974 - The Second Public Meeting to discuss Waterfront Park and Waterfront Study is held.
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Read more about the Public Meeting held to discuss Waterfront Park and the Waterfront Study. |
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On December 12, 1974, the Waterfront Plan Study Committee held a second open forum and asked again for public feedback on how to develop the Waterfront and Marina area from McVicar Street to Wilson's Creek. The document shows the 100+ interested individuals and groups who were in attendance.
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July 1975 - The Report “Thunder Bay Waterfront Park” commissioned by the City of Thunder Bay is completed. The report was compiled by the Proctor & Redfern Group and Richard Strong, Steven Moorhead.
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Read exerpts from the Thunder Bay Waterfront Park report |
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The Thunder Bay Waterfront Park Study plan arose out of the Urban Renewal Scheme of 1967 and Master Parks Plan of 1971. This plan identified the Waterfront as a perfect place for urban renewal. In 1973, City Council agreed that a formal study on development options for the Port Arthur Waterfront was necessary. The Study Team consisted of The Proctor & Redfern Group, Consulting Engineers and Planners, and Steven Moorhead Limited and Richard Strong, Landscape Architects. The Waterfront Park Study Plan was completed in July 1975. The focus of the report is on how to harness the beauty of the lakeshore in the downtown area in the Port Arthur Ward, establish an open space for access to the Bay, and provide facilities for public and private boaters. Once the passive park and boating facility are established, the plan recommends increasing pedestrian and vehicular access to the grounds. The concepts discussed include: open lakeshore, accessibility, varied uses, accommodation of boats, and use of pre-existing facilities. A balance of emphases on beauty, public access, and public and private development would be employed in developments in the North area of the Waterfront over the next thirty years. Involving the community in the development of the lakefront was integral to the project. The Study Team held public meetings in July 1973 and December 1974, and integrated that feedback and the advice of the Coordinating Committee into the final report. The 28-page report includes technical drawings accompanied by descriptive text, including: Context Plan, Existing Conditions, Concept Plan, Development Plan, Boatyard Detail, Pier & Slip Detail, Terrace Detail, Overlook Detail, Servicing Plan, and Phasing Plan. Also, the appendices to the Study set out basic cost estimates as the groundwork for detailed designs and associated contracts proceed. The report was well received and was used as the basis of development for years to come. Waterfront users, citizens and tourists saw the benefits as it kicked off the first major projects to develop the Waterfront as both a recreational area and boating facility.
Archives location: TBA 4735-28 For more information on this subject, or any other subject of interest, please visit or contact the City of Thunder Bay Archives |
1976 - Future Councillor Rita Ubriaco publishes two articles in the local paper entitled: “Not Enough Money for Marina’s First Stage” and “Marina Park to be Built This Summer.”
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Read the future Councillor's articles |
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1976-1979 - Funding is made available under the Urban Renewal Program, triggering the development of the Park – starting with the north end.
January 1977 - The Parks Assistance Act awards the City $25,000 for Waterfront development.
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Read the application submission |
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An application for funding under the Parks Assistance Act was submitted January 1977. For development of the Waterfront Park, Thunder Bay was awarded $25,000.
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1978 - Stead & Lindstrom completes a contract for the construction of 60 docks on North side of Pier 1, and the Canadian Pacific Railways finishes improving the railroad crossings at the Waterfront Park.
September 1978 - Mayor Walter Assef presides over the Ceremonial Dedication and Official Opening of the Waterfront, and in his public address he invites the 200 citizens in attendance to “grow with the park.”
October 1978 - Richard Moore, Senior Landscape Architect with Proctor & Redfern, publishes a summary of the dedication and proposes future plans in an article entitled, “Thunder Bay’s Dramatic New Waterfront.”
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Read the article written by Richard Moore |
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Richard Moore, Senior Landscape Architect with Proctor & Redfern published an article in Civic Works entitled "Thunder Bay's Dramatic New Waterfront." The article gives a brief history and outlines the Procter & Redfern team's future vision for the Thunder Bay Waterfront.
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December 1978 - Priorities are set for the following fiscal year: roads, parking, sidewalks; water, sanitary, electrical services; landscaping; Pier 1-60 slips; and shore treatment.
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View a map of the priority areas |
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Proctor & Redfern produced a Development Plan of the Waterfront Park and Marina for the following year depicting priority areas of development to be covered over the next four years. The development begins at the core of the waterfront and expands outwards.
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1979 - Thunder Bay Harbour Improvements constructs 64 docks between Pier 1 and Pier 2, and LeBrun Contracting builds the main parking lot in the Waterfront Park.
March 1979 - City Council concurs to adopt “Prince Arthur’s Landing” as the Marina’s official name.
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Read the Council resolution |
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A resolution is passed that changes the name of the north section of the waterfront from the "Marina" to "Prince Arthur's Landing."
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July 1979 - The Seamen’s Monument is completed and dedicated to the City of Thunder Bay.
October 1979 - The first Ad Hoc Marina Operations Committee Meeting is held. The Committee has been organized to address the growing concerns of Marina users, and serves to help analyze problems related to the operation of the Marina. To improve accessibility, an additional roadway is built to provide access for service vehicles.
November 1979 - Welcomeship management writes a letter to Mayor Dusty Miller making recommendations for better accessibility. In response, a through road and parking spaces are built on the main pier.
1980 - A report is released outlining priorities: Launch ramps, Pier 1, Pier 2, Pier 3, CN Building, and Visual Arts Building. Corresponding contracts are awarded to LeBrun, Thunder Bay Harbour Improvements, and Public Works Canada.
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View a map of the priorities as identified in 1980, plus read the Corporate Report |
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The first document is a map of the Priorities for the 1980 Budget, in light of the 1981 Canada Summer Games. The developments focus on the centre of the North Core of the Waterfront. The second document details the construction and care of the three piers.
The third document outlines six Marina facilities, their developments to date, and the upcoming additions associated with them.
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January 1980 - The third Ad Hoc Marina Operations Committee meeting is held. The decision to close the piers to the public for security reasons is made.
February 1980 - The Ad Hoc Marina Operations Committee meets for a fourth time and decides to form a non-profit municipal organization, Marina Advisory Committee.
March 1980 - Ad Hoc Marina Operations Committee Meeting six is held and security fencing, traffic, concessions, and dock maintenance are discussed.
May 1980 - Thunder Bay Police starts the teen patrol program to help control vandalism at the Marina.
August 1980 - Sailors discuss the possibility of using the new portion of the CN Station for a marina service building, while IKOY architects use the old section for a restaurant.
September 1980 - By-law 307-1980 is passed to install breakwaters at the Marina, in order to protect the harbour from the full impact of waves. Canada Summer Games Society donates $263,500 for the development of: CN Station renovations, a floating dock on Pier 1 and a small launch ramp, relocation of existing docks, a jib crane and foundation, and a laser dock.
January 1981 - A statement is released showing that to this date, under the Parks Assistance Act, the Province had donated $50,000 to the Marina. The City responds that it will match the donation.
April 1981 - The Marina Advisory Committee meets for the first time. The Committee provides input and serves as a communication link between the Parks and Recreation Department and interest groups to assure the effective operation of the Marina. A detailed status report on development of the Marina is released.
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Read the report on the contracts awarded |
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These documents outline completed contracts from 1976-1980 and upcoming contracts for 1980-1981 for the development of the Thunder Bay Waterfront Park. The documents show the history of developments as well as those companies responsible for the installations. A cost for each contract is also listed.
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May 1981 - Council resolves that the CN Building is to become a transportation museum.
July 1981 - The Marina Service Building is completed. The construction is carried out by A.J. Wing and Sons Construction, as envisioned by Fraser and Browne Architects.
August 1981 - The Canada Summer Games take place in Thunder Bay.
September 1981 - Projects and priorities for the development of the Park for 1982 are laid out as: Completion of work on Pier 2 and 3, interconnecting pathways at Pedestrian Bridge, construction of large berths, and vehicular access to Pier 3.
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View the Capital Program list and the cost estimates associated |
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The Marina Capital Program lists four priority projects and cost estimates associated with each. The Timberwall, Pier 2, Pier 1, and Pier 3 are to be developed with no less than $65,000 spent on each.
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Also, in September 1981, the Waterfront Park wins a Citation Award in the 1980 Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Professional Awards Competition.
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Read a letter announcing the award |
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Proctor & Redfern entered the Waterfront Park into a competition held by the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects. The Waterfront Park won a Citation Award for Proctor & Redfern's landscaping efforts and the resulting aesthetic beauty of the park.
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July 1982 - City Council resolves that the Parks and Recreation Department must establish a concession at the Marina in the area of the present service centre.
March 1983 - City Council discusses the condition of the Marina road. Council agrees that a study of the Marina road issue would be beneficial to the Marina’s development. -
July 1983 - The Marina Park Survey is conducted. More than 965 people participate. The front page of a green pamphlet with drawings on the front
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Read more about the survey |
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The Marina/Waterfront Park Study was conducted by the Department of Parks and Recreation to gain insight into the needs and opinions of users of the Waterfront facilities, particularly which improvements they would prefer to see made to the facilities. The survey was conducted in July and August of 1983, as part of a larger Study of the Marina and Waterfront. Surveyors asked 28 questions to users of the Welcomeship (a local tour boat), the Marina and Dock, the Public Launch Ramp, and the general park space. A total of 965 people took the survey, including Thunder Bay residents and non-residents of varying sex, age, and marital status, income, and ward of residence. The study, in keeping with the tradition of developing the Waterfront, was dually focused on the Marina as piers, docks, and boat areas and as green areas, playgrounds, and boardwalks. The public's feedback gave the Parks and Recreation Department a comprehensive and detailed view of the features at the Marina that were heavily used, and which needed improvement. Through this study, the City took a proactive stance and brought development issues to the public. Archives Location: TBA 5535-18 For more information on this subject, or any other subject of interest, please visit or contact the City of Thunder Bay Archives |
October 1988 - City Council ratifies Report No. 524/88 and directs the Parks and Recreation Department to undertake a feasibility study to determine the potential for recreational development in the South Waterfront area. -
November 1989 - The first public meeting for the 1990 Waterfront Study is held at Wesley United Church. More than 30 people participate in a question-and-answer session. -
March 1990 - The second public meeting for the 1990 Waterfront Study is held at Victoriaville Mall.
September 1990 - The Waterfront Tourism & Recreation Plan Final Report, commissioned by the City of Thunder Bay, is submitted.
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Read exerpts from the Tourism & Recreation Plan Final Report |
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The Waterfront Tourism & Recreation Master Plan and Final Report was released in September 1990. The report was prepared by Moore / George Associates Inc., Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, and Andersen Management Services, under the guidance of a steering committee with representatives from public groups with an interest in the Waterfront. The report served to consolidate existing studies and compile one comprehensive planning document, and is an accumulation of background information, public consultations, prepared development options, and a finalized master plan for development. When enacted, the master plan would enhance tourism, local recreation, and environmental conditions of the southern waterfront along the Kaministiquia River. The highest-priority projects in the South Core were the Donald Street Pedestrian Underpass, Mission Marsh Conservation Area, Kaministiquia River Environmental Rehabilitation, the Mission Island Marina Project, and the Kaministiquia Heritage Park. Land acquisition and development was also highlighted in the report, especially around Current River Park, Floodway Lookout Park, 110th Street Park, Kam River Woodlot, and Mountdale. Two of the greatest successes of the plan were the construction of the 550-metre-long river walk on the Kaministiquia River and the public art competition that spurred the 1992 installation of ‘Animikii – Flies the Thunder.’ The Kaministiquia Heritage Park was to be heavily developed. Since the 1983 Survey of the Marina identified “walking through the park” and “viewing the scenery” as the two most common recreational activities, it was apparent that a scenic promenade would be a significant improvement to the Kaministiquia Heritage Park. The proposal was to create a 550-metre riverfront promenade with three river outlooks/overlooks, and numerous shady areas and benches for sitting. Grassy areas along the promenade were to be landscaped and maintained for passive recreation and viewing. For the central plaza, the City proposed that the Carousel be relocated from Chippewa Park to the Kaministiquia Heritage Park. Additionally, the Park was to be adorned with Thunder Bay heritage themes. As well as enhancing pedestrian traffic through the park, access to the park was another focus: suggestions included better pedestrian and vehicular pathways to the park, and parking lot improvements. The plan was largely focused on implementation, and identified recreational and commercial public and private sector development opportunities. All proposed improvements aimed at drawing in the public and creating an attraction for citizens and tourists alike.
Report location: TBA 5860-47 For more information on this subject, or any other subject of interest, please visit or contact the City of Thunder Bay Archives |
1992 - The contemporary art sculpture “Animikii – Flies the Thunder,” designed by Anne Allardyce, is installed in the Kaministiquia River Heritage Park.
Title: Animikii - Flies the Thunder
Image Type: Photograph
Constructed: 1992
Sculptors: Anne Allardyce
Materials Used: Stainless steel, rock/stone, concrete, black granite
Dimensions: 22’ (6.70 m) x 12’ (3.65 m) diameter and 15’ (4.57 m) diameter pedestal
Image Description: This is a representation of "Animikii," pronounced uh-nih-mih-kee. The main portion of the sculpture is a thunderbird with outstretched reflective wings. One of the inspirations for the sculpture and pedestal was the pre-industrial Kaministiquia River. The sculpture helps emphasize the revitalization of the waterway.
Physical Location: Kaministiquia River Heritage Park
Reference: City of Thunder Bay - Culture & Heritage
October 1994 - Tom Jones Ltd. completes the Marina Pedestrian Overpass.
1994-1995 - The Woodside Foundry, or Port Arthur Iron Works, is demolished.
1995 - Marina Operational Review: The Final Report is brought to City Council. Priorities for Waterfront Development in 1995 include: Pedestrian and bicycle paths, outdoor performance stage, and rowing club facility. A cut out from a map showing the waterfront and surrounding area
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Read exerpts from the Marina Operational Review report |
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These two images are excerpts from the 1995 Marina Operational Review, showing the development priorities of the North and South Core of the Waterfront.
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January 1995 - The Can-Ontario Infrastructure Works Program funding of $5,128,000 for Waterfront Tourism Rehabilitation is budgeted to expand Kaministiquia Heritage Park and renovate the CN Station and Visual Arts Building.
June-July 1997 - Two workshops are held with the Steering Committee, government, landowners, and interest groups concerning the development of the waterfront. Approximately 100 people attend the public forum. -
January 1998 - The Next Wave Report – Charting a New Course for Thunder Bay’s Waterfront is completed. A coloured map of the Thunder Bay waterfront and surrounding area
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Read more about The Next Wave: Charting a New Course for Thunder Bay's Waterfront report |
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The waterfront development plan "The Next Wave: Charting a New Course for Thunder Bay's Waterfront" was completed in 1998, prepared by The Planning Partnership, Moriyama & Teshima Architects, and Hemson Consulting Limited. The report's four main components were: an overall master plan for the entire waterfront, more detailed plans for key areas of development, a business plan and marketing materials, and an implementation strategy. The plan also included two major privatization proposals, one of which was not implemented - the Science North Complex - and the other of which is currently underway - a full-service hotel. The framework for the master plan is based on three features: new waterfront districts, a new waterfront drive, and a healthy ecosystem. The new waterfront districts are aimed at shifting the urban core to the waterfront in order to provide a waterfront where citizens and tourists can eat, shop, work, live and play. The plan is clear in that it avoids sacrificing the industrial activity of the waterfront but rather includes it as the heritage of the port and the city. A highlight of the proposed waterfront developments is a new Waterfront Drive that would provide public access to the whole of the harbour. Beginning in Current River, the Waterfront Drive would follow the lakefront to Westfort, passing over both the McKellar and Mission Islands. The master plan envisions the new Waterfront Drive as landscaped and green, creating a pleasant parkway road that animates the beauty of the waterfront. The healthy ecosystem is praised and identified as being paramount to the development. The plan provides that the City environmentally enhance watercourses and woodlots, maintain and re-establish marshes, enhance aquatic habitat along shoreline, and continue to encourage industries to reduce their environmental footprints. The co-operation between the City and industry ensures the sustainability of this waterfront vision. Archives location: TBA 7969-29 For more information on this subject, or any other subject of interest, please visit or contact the City of Thunder Bay Archives |
December 2000 - The Canadian National Railroad Elevator, Pool 6 is demolished in a nationally televised explosion.
February 2002 - Access to North Waterfront – An Environmental Study Report is completed by R.V. Anderson Associates Limited.
July 2002 - The Riverfest, or “Festival of the River,” is held for the first time at Kaministiquia Heritage Park.
December 2005 - The Waterfront Development Committee reforms as an advisory group to inform City Council of the progress on the development of a 10-year vision for Thunder Bay's 52 km of waterfront.
2006 - The first annual Festival of India is held. A free event that introduces citizens of Thunder Bay to Indian culture and cuisine.
2007 - The first Superior Youth Festival is held. It includes alternative performers, on-site concessions, free draws, an artisan market, community group booths and a variety of other activities.
March 2007 - Imagine our Waterfront - the working vision for the waterfront is released.
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View the maps from the working vision |
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These two maps represent the state of the Waterfront in 2007 and developments planned by 2017.
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September 2009 - The first issue of Waterfront E-Newsletter is produced on Sept. 29, 2009. The Waterfront Development Facebook Page is created. Also, Riverfest is combined with the Fort William Street Festival. Riverfest reacquaints the public with the beauty, history, and recreational opportunities the waterfront offers.
October 2009 - The train caboose is moved from Pier 3 to the entrance of the Marina at Pearl Street. -
2011 - Merchant Marine Monument is moved from the former Thunder Bay Paterson office to the Kaministiquia Heritage Park.
2014 - The first annual BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival is held at Prince Arthur's Landing. A paid entry event, the festival displays local and national beer among food and market vendors. -
June 2017 - The Alexander Henry, a Coast Guard ship built by the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company Ltd. in 1959 returns to Thunder Bay as a museum ship. The ship resides in Pool 6, adjacent to Marina Park.
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For more information on this subject, or any other subject of interest, please visit or contact the City of Thunder Bay Archives.
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