Exciting New Thunder Bay Waterfront Development
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Exciting New Thunder Bay Water

Exciting New Thunder Bay Waterfront Development One Step Closer To
Reality!

by Scott A. Sumner'

Thunder Bay Business
      In was interesting to be part of a media editorial board meeting with the proponents of the new Waterfront project for Thunder Bay. This $60 million development will consist of 2 condominium buildings totalling 104 units, a 5 star hotel with 108 rooms, a 45,000 square
foot water park facility and retail, wellness and spa space. The group of Manshield NWO Construction, Laureate Developments- investment company, Lombard North- planning consultant and Resolve- marketing representative were on hand to answer media questions prior to a public meeting with city council that evening.

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    “ In order to comply with the city proposal we took the design to detail with Manshield costing it out and then presented a letter of intent from our banker to say we have the financial resources to complete the project. We believe the master plan is a excellent document and think the city has got it right. We look at this as a partnership,” said Joe Bova President of Laureate Developments. “  An important component  of the project is the indoor water park. It will be 15,000 square feet and three stories high for a total area of 45,000 square feet. The  two condos will be  adjacent to the hotel and the waterpark along with green ways. The parking for the hotel has to be adjacent to the hotel  and we want the parking underground to preserve
the look of the site.”
    “ We truly believe the project is superior by nature. We have done intensive study and believe it is something for the community of Thunder Bay. Everyone can be excited about the development- the young professional, empty nesters  or seniors. It is a lifestyle choice
people will want. It is going to give a real opportunity to be part of a incredible lifestyle,” said Gisselle of Resolve. “ We are excited to be bring this project to Thunder Bay. The synergy will allow Thunder Bay to rise to a destination place. People will want to come and stay at the hotel, be part of the waterpark, shop and so on. It is for the people of Thunder Bay, not just for a few. The waterpark, the wellness centre, the spa are beautiful parts of the development.”
    “ We have two hotel owners who have shown great interest. You can fill the rooms  with business people from Monday to Friday as on the  weekend they go home. The waterpark becomes a draw for the catch basin of Thunder Bay. It is a huge enticement. The wellness park is a separate business. They’re interrelated. Today in the hotel business you need more than 4 walls and a bed. The water park will be open to everyone in the community,” smiled Joe Bova.
     “ If we are to sell 104 condo units we need to sell to everyone. We have been around the mulberry bush once or twice. It has to make sense to the average people of Thunder Bay, who get up and go to work each day,” smiled Joe. “ The condos  will cost a similar amount to what a new house will cost in Thunder Bay. It is a lifestyle choice. If you build something too expensive you go bankrupt. “

  The sense of enthusiasm by the proponents was very evident in our meeting at the TBCA. “ I am not only positive  this project will work but passionate about this project. I am well travelled, have been in the business a long time and seen a lot of opportunities.  This is
one of the reasons why I am prepared to put my money where my mouth is. I believe in this project  and  think it will be great for Thunder Bay. The people of Thunder Bay will own this at the end of the day. I believe this will be a catalyst for redevelopment in the city,” smiled
Gisselle Macdonald.  “ Without Manshield and Peter Belluz here I would not do this project. You can bring people in from outside and you think you’re getting their expertise  but they come and they go. The passion of Peter  who has been here, lived here and his children are here is
important to us. He is not going anywhere and if he does I’ll find him.”
     The fine details of the project will be arranged by the administration of the City of Thunder Bay who will move forward and work out the final contract with the proponent in the next six months.



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