THUNDER BAY CELEBRATES THE COMPLETION OF PHASE ONE AT PRINCE ARTHUR'S LANDING
July 20, 2012 – Thunder Bay residents today celebrate the completion of Phase One of Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park. The completion of the first phase of this waterfront development project involved the construction of a Water Garden Pavilion, an Art’s centre, a splash pad that transforms into a skating rink during winter months, and the unique “Spirit Garden” that will allow people to participate in recreational and cultural activities. Additional work to improve this waterfront attraction included the renewal and expansion of the trails, relocation of the breakwalls, and installation of electrical services, water systems and foundation piles for piers. “Prince Arthur’s Landing is an important gathering place for the community and will remain a dynamic tourist destination for years to come,” said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for York–Simcoe, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our government is proud to support community infrastructure projects that create jobs, stimulate the local economy and improve the quality of life of Thunder Bay families.” “Infrastructure investments such as this one create jobs and opportunities for Ontario families,” said the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North. “The Ontario government is proud to contribute to this project that ensures our renewed waterfront will become an important new community hub in Thunder Bay.” “This project was about building our community, and it has already had a very positive impact on our economy by creating hundreds of jobs, and employing dozens of local companies,” said Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs. “The sheer size and scope of this project is amongst the largest in our city’s history, and it represents an investment by all levels of government and the private sector of well over $100 million.” The governments of Canada and Ontario contributed $14.65 million each toward eligible project costs through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Through the Northern Ontario Development Program, the Government of Canada contributed an additional $2 million towards the design and contract administration, and $47,000 for an economic impact study and project business plan. The Province of Ontario, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, contributed an additional $5 million towards infrastructure and public attractions to facilitate additional private sector investments and $100,000 towards an advanced energy study and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The City of Thunder Bay has contributed the remaining balance of the total project cost of $58 million.
This project also supports Building Together, the Government of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Through Building Together, Ontario plans to invest more than $35 billion over the next three years to create or preserve over 100,000 jobs on average each year. Infrastructure investments create high-quality employment, support economic growth and helps make Ontario’s economy more productive
Michael Gravelle, MPP Minister “ When one looks around here and sees the reaction of the public here it is just extraordinary. Being a Port Arthur boy myself the waterfront is a big part of all of our lives. It is great to see this Phase 1 completing. Today is wonderful. The public has embraced the waterfront. I am proud as a citizen of Thunder Bay and a member of the provincial government.”
Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament “ Quality of life is more important as to where people will live today. Thunder Bay has done a very brilliant job in this project combining an urban waterfront environment. It is a place that is very attractive to people. The waterfront may provide renewed confidence to Thunder Bay.”
