Waterfront Master Plan Update - Pool 6 Lands

The Pool 6 property represents the next major phase of Thunder Bay’s waterfront redevelopment. The City is currently reviewing possibilities for how this land should best be developed to benefit our community.

On this page you can:

• Learn about the development scenarios under consideration
• Read about the history and ecology of Pool 6
• Find details on the March 1 public open house
• Have your say by filling out a short survey (February 17-March 6)

About Pool 6

The Pool 6 property covers 12.2 hectares of land along the Lake Superior shoreline, directly south of Prince Arthur’s Landing and the future Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Formerly the site of the Saskatchewan Pool 6 grain elevator, the property is now home to the City's cruise ship terminal, the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay, and the proposed Science North Centre. You can read more about the site’s history here.

The Pool 6 property offers an exciting opportunity to build on the success of Prince Arthur’s Landing, making Thunder Bay’s waterfront a compelling destination for residents and visitors alike – as well as a catalyst for our local economy.

What's Happening Now

The City of Thunder Bay is currently reviewing four potential development scenarios for the Pool 6 property as part of an update to the Waterfront Master Plan. The development scenarios were informed by feedback gathered from the public in 2024.

The current process will seek further input from the public, alongside a multi-step review by City Council. Based on that guidance, a preferred option will be chosen. The selected option will then be further refined before being brought to Council for approval.

Pool 6 Development Scenarios

A rough overview of the development scenarios is presented below. You can view further details and conceptual drawings of the development scenarios by clicking the button below.

Please note that the scenarios are meant to guide development at Pool 6, but it is likely that some details will be modified during implementation as designs are refined, and as the City seeks interest from the private sector.

All of the development scenarios include the following amenities:

• Multi-use trails
• The proposed Science North Centre
• An urban beach and public pavilion
• Boathouse & dock
• Habitat pond and wetland areas
• Parking facilities and an extension of the Sleeping Giant Parkway
• Commercial storefront space
• A 6-8 storey residential development
• Existing cruise ship terminal and Thunder Bay Transportation Museum

The conceptual drawing below shows a potential layout for the property:

The scenarios differ in how they allocate development space (Blocks A through F in the image above):

Scenario 1A

• Hotel & convention centre
• Hotel
• Nordic spa

Scenario 1B

• Hotel & water park
• Hotel
• Nordic spa

Scenario 2A

• Hotel & convention centre
• Hotel
• Market (Block B location)
• Nordic spa (Block E)

Scenario 2B

• Hotel & convention centre
• Hotel
• Market (Block E)
• Nordic spa (Block B)

Background

The development scenarios for Pool 6 are informed by previous public engagement and a study by the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC).

A public survey conducted in 2024 indicated residents would like to see additional amenities such as a canoe/kayak dock, a fishing/picnic dock, walking and cycling trails, commercial/retail opportunities, and extension of the Sleeping Giant Parkway to provide an additional access point to the waterfront.

In 2025, the CEDC released a summary report of its Highest and Best Use Study for the Pool 6 property. The study recommended a mixed-use approach that balances residential and commercial development with public uses and environmental stewardship.

Developing Pool 6 is also a priority in the City’s Smart Growth Action Plan.

The Waterfront Master Plan for the Pool 6 lands was last updated in 2015 (read the master plan here). With new interest from external developers, a growing Great Lakes cruise ship industry, and the results of the CEDC’s Highest and Best Use Study, it is timely to update the master plan.

Have Your Say

Now is your chance to get involved and have your say on the future of Thunder Bay's waterfront!

Public Survey

A short public survey seeking feedback on development of Pool 6 will be available from February 17 to March 6.

Find the survey:

• Online at this page (getinvolvedthunderbay.ca/waterfront-master-plan-update-pool-6-lands)
• In hard copy at Thunder Bay Public Library branches and the 55 Plus Centre.

March 1 Open House

A public open house will be held on Sunday, March 1 from 2-4pm. Drop by throughout the event to learn more about the possibilities under consideration for Pool 6, ask questions, and leave your feedback! Light refreshments will be available.

Visioning Pool 6 Open House

2-4pm, Sunday March 1

Baggage Arts Building, Prince Arthur's Landing

*Bring the family! This open house is held in conjunction with Winter FunDays.