Reimagining the North Core Streetscapes

The City of Thunder Bay is embarking on a once-in-a-generation project to redesign the streets in the North Core Downtown. This opportunity exists because the watermains and sewers below the street are at the end of their useful life, and need to be replaced. The “Reimagining the North Core Streetscapes” Study is being completed to determine the course of the project, and public input is vital to this process.The Study area includes the North Core Downtown BIA that extends from (S) Pearl to (N) Van Norman Streets & (W) Algoma to (E) Water Street.

April 3, 2023 - Corporate Report 112-2023 containing recommendations to award contracts for the North Core Streetscape Renewal - Court Street and Red River Road project is presented to Thunder Bay City Council Committee of the Whole.

Click here to read the Corporate Report

Click here to watch the Committee of the Whole meeting live or on demand.

We want to hear from you

• View the North Core Streetscape story board designs
• Share your comments on the Story Board designs

An open house was held on July 21, 2022, at the Goods & Co. Market. where story boards were presented to attendees. It's not too late to get involved and share your feedback on the story boards.

Public participation, feedback and comments have shaped the design of this important public space and will continue to do so until it is finalized. Necessary service renewal in the North Core creates an opportunity to reimagine what the street looks like and how it is used. The design includes pedestrian prioritized space with reduced vehicular lanes in a curbless plaza-like street environment. Public space is celebrated with widened sidewalks, generous greenery, patio spaces and seating for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for your ongoing input

To conduct a community conversation about how to redesign the North Core Downtown’s streets, the City launched the “Reimagining the North Core Streetscapes” Study in early 2021. This study includes the analysis of existing infrastructure and site conditions, traffic/transit/parking use modelling, contextual analysis to see how the area connects to the greater city, and how these streetscapes and public spaces support local businesses and public activities.

The objective of our events, surveys and webinars is to invite the entire community’s input and involvement in the planning and design development process. The City wants to ensure that the North Core Streetscapes and Downtown are inclusive, accessible, imaginative, innovative, and future-proof to adapt to the needs of tomorrow.

• In early 2021, the project design team kicked off the public engagement process with the online “Call for Input and Ideas Survey”. Over 600 people sent responses - thank you! Click for results of the "Call for Input and Ideas Survey"
• On April 6, 2021, the Project Team presented a webinar with interactive Q&A, entitled "Help Reimagine North Core Streetscapes." Over 100 individuals registered and attended - thank you! The webinar included a half-hour presentation on feedback from the previous survey, and possible concept designs. The project is still in its initial stages, and input received is most helpful.
• In Summer 2021, a selection of Pilot Projects were implemented in the Thunder Bay North Core area, including pop-up patios and traffic calming measures. Input opportunities have been implemented as residents enjoy and make use of the North Core in summer, .
• June 30, 2021: To provide enhanced parking opportunities near the pop-up patios and Red River Road outdoor seating area, an array of new angle parking spots was added to Cumberland Street North between Red River Road and Van Norman Street. This section of Cumberland Street North has also been made one-way (southbound only) for the duration of the Summer 2021 Pilot Projects.
• Summer 2021: "On the Street" Pop-Up Booths. The North Core Streetscapes Team were available to chat about future developments in the North Core, and the current Pilot Areas. See the Info Boards that were presented at the booths.
• September, 2021 Update: Over the summer, the Project Team hosted two public pop-up sessions where visitors could see project progress, ask questions and provide feedback. Stakeholder consultation is ongoing: some sessions have been completed and others are upcoming with the Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee, Public Art Committee, CEDC, Waterfront Business Improvement Area, Earthcare, Eco-Superior, Accessibility Advisory Committee and Mobility. The Project Team is also planning engagement sessions with Indigenous community members including youth and artists' groups - these sessions will be facilitated by Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio. The Project Team plans to meet with the Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee and Elders Council later this fall.
• View the Summer 2021 Info Boards
• View Preliminary Summer 2021 Consultation Results