FAQs

Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and Victoria Avenue is expected to be open by October 31, 2026.  The entire project including plazas & landscaping is scheduled to be complete by June 2027. Timelines are subject to weather and unforeseen site conditions, but regular progress updates will be posted.

Victoriaville Mall will be closed to the public starting in mid-June (exact date to be confirmed, but exact date will be communicated).  The public plaza, south of Justice Avenue and east of the Chapple building, will also be closed to the public, with the exception of accesses being maintained to the adjacent businesses. Pedestrian access routes and detours will be clearly marked and communicated.

Traffic detours and temporary closures pertaining to the corner of Archibald Street & Victoria Avenue will affect the area.  The construction zone, identified as the surrounding area of Victoriaville mall will have 2 hour free parking at all street-metered parking.  In addition, several new barrier free street parking stalls will be identified.  The parkade & Courthouse parking lots will remain open to the public as per posted rates.

Yes. All businesses will remain open unless otherwise notified. The City is working closely with local businesses to maintain customer access and visibility throughout construction.

Construction activities will follow municipal and provincial regulations for noise and dust control. Measures include dust suppression, fencing, and limiting construction operations to designated hours per the City’s Noise By-Law.

The construction zone will be fenced and monitored for safety. Signage and alternate routes will guide pedestrians and drivers safely around the site. Please obey all posted signage and barriers.

Transit routes will be unaffected by this project.

1. Revisit this page for regular updates.
2. Follow the City of Thunder Bay on social media
3. Sign up for update notifications on this website
4. Watch for local media and on-site signage

The contractor was selected through a competitive tendering process following municipal procurement guidelines. Finn Way General Contractors, a local construction company, is the successful proponent.

If delays occur due to weather, supply chain issues, or unforeseen site conditions, the project updates will posted with revised timelines.

Yes. The contractor must follow environmental protection protocols, including waste management, stormwater controls, and materials recycling where possible.

Absolutely. Feedback is welcome and can be directed to the Overall Project Manager with Colliers Project Leaders, Samantha Mannila.

The project is funded through a combination of municipal capital funds and support from Provincial and Federal grants.

Once finished, Victoria Avenue will be reopened as a modernized street with improved infrastructure, public spaces, lighting, and landscaping to enhance downtown revitalization and community use.  Please refer to the posted fly-through video and renderings.

Yes. The landscape design prioritizes the use of native and climate-resilient plant species to support local biodiversity, reduce maintenance needs, and enhance ecological health in the downtown core.

Where feasible, materials from the demolished Victoriaville structure—such as concrete, steel, and asphalt—will be sorted and recycled according to best practices to reduce landfill waste and environmental impact.  It is estimated >80% of existing materials will be recycled.

Yes. The project includes modern stormwater infrastructure such as treatment systems for road runoff, green infrastructure, and improved drainage systems to reduce runoff and protect water quality.