Today, the City of Thunder Bay officially takes a major step in the transformation of downtown Fort William with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Reimagine Victoriaville project. This significant initiative marks the beginning of the removal of the Victoriaville Centre and the revitalization of Victoria and Syndicate Avenues into a modern, accessible, and vibrant public space.

The project, approved by City Council in 2023, aims to reopen Victoria Avenue to vehicular traffic, introduce bike lanes, widened sidewalks, and create inviting public plazas. The redesigned Syndicate Avenue will feature green spaces, seating areas, and enhanced pedestrian pathways, fostering a more connected and lively downtown environment.

“This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction; it's the beginning of a new chapter for downtown Fort William,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “Reimagining Victoriaville reflects our commitment to revitalizing the downtown, supporting local businesses, and creating a space where the community can flourish.”

Construction is set to begin in early June, starting with the installation of temporary access for affected businesses, followed by the deconstruction of the mall structure. All businesses and services currently accessed through VictoriaVille will continue to be open throughout the construction period.

“Our team has worked diligently to ensure that this project enhances the business area and also the quality of life for residents and visitors, in addition to renewing essential infrastructure,” said Aaron Ward, Manager of Engineering for the City of Thunder Bay. “We're excited to see the positive impact this revitalization will have on the community.”

The project is being led by the City of Thunder Bay in partnership with Colliers Project Leaders, who are providing overall project management. The design team includes KGS Group, i4Architecture, and Scatliff + Miller + Murray. The general contractor for the construction phase is Finn Way General Contractor Inc., selected through a competitive bidding process to carry out the demolition and redevelopment work.

The City has launched a dedicated Phase 3 information page on its Get Involved website, providing updates on construction progress, access routes for local businesses, and opportunities for public engagement. Visit: www.getinvolvedthunderbay.ca

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Contact: Amanda Nason, Communications Officer – Infrastructure & Operations, 807-252-8852