Waterfront Master Plan Update - Pool 6 Lands

The Pool 6 property represents the next major phase of Thunder Bay’s waterfront redevelopment. On this page you can:

• Learn about the development scenarios under consideration
• Read about the history and ecology of Pool 6
• Stay up to date on next steps for this project

Update: Council Approves Master Plan

On May 19, 2026, City Council reviewed the Pool 6 Waterfront Master Plan Update and approved it unanimously. Council’s discussion confirmed support for moving the vision forward, with next steps focused on further technical, environmental, and implementation work. This will include studying noise and vibration related to the adjacent railyard and completing additional site environmental assessment requirements.

Following that work, the City intends to advance a Call for Proposals process. This will allow the City to engage potential private-sector partners and refine the particulars of proposed developments before committing to significant infrastructure investment.

Council’s discussion also touched on matters such as parking, the future extension of Sleeping Giant Parkway, the role of the Transportation Museum within the vision, effects on other core areas of the City, and the long-term economic potential of the area.

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.

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.

Public Engagement

Building on the public engagement conducted in 2024, a short public survey seeking feedback on development of Pool 6 was available from February 17 to March 6. A public open house was held on Sunday, March 1. The results of this public engagement were presented to City Council on May 19, 2026.