Strong Local Construction Industry in Thunder Bay
by Scott A. Sumner
I asked Jeffrey Duce CBCO Supervisor Inspections | Building Services, City of Thunder Bay Development Services some questions on the construction seasons in Thunder Bay.
1. How was the 2024 construction season in Thunder Bay? Can you outline some larger projects that took place in the commercial area?
“ 2024, was a productive year for construction in Thunder Bay, it was very similar in comparison to 2023, with an upward trend in mid and small multi-residential projects. There were a number of larger residential apartments buildings under construction as well as a large hotel. We should see these completed this season.”
2.What can we expect for the 2025 season?
Are there any big building permit requests or ongoing construction projects?
“ So far for 2025 we are seeing an increase in permits issued in relation to where things were at this time in 2024. We can expect to see construction of the addition to TBRHSC as well as ongoing construction of the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex and a continuation of the trend in mid and small multi-residential projects.”
3. Do you expect 2025 to be a busy year for the trades people in Thunder Bay?
“ Based on what we are seeing so far this year and assuming things remain consistent, we should have another very productive year for building in Thunder Bay.”
Resurfacing pavement in Thunder Bay this year
- Theresa Street - Madeline Street to Bruce Street * Arthur Street - Highway 61 to Parkdale Boulevard * Macdonell Street - Squier Street to Central Avenue
- Roundabout * Marina Overpass/Cumberland Street
- There are some major construction projects beginning shortly or underway in Thunder Bay. Di Gregorio Developments is beginning work on a 109 unit apartment building, which is located on the grounds of the Thunder Bay Country Club. This project has been underway through another developer originally in 2012 as condominiums and it was in 2022 that Di Gregorio Developments took ownership of the property. They have decided that they will complete the shell of the six story building, including elevators, the roof and windows, which will make the project airtight beginning this year. They will then hopefully get good pricing on the interior work for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and drywall. At the current time this pricing is quite high due to the busyness of the trades people in Thunder Bay area. The new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex continues to be ongoing and has a large workforce on that project which is over $1 billion in value.
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery will replace the existing facility located on the campus of Confederation College which has been providing visual arts exhibitions and programming for the past 46 years. More than double the size, the waterfront gallery features expansive exhibition spaces and increased education and programming areas, and a larger collections storage vault to accommodate the Gallery's growing collection of Indigenous and northwestern Ontario art. A larger gift shop, a café with an outdoor terrace and spaces for community use and rental will generate revenue toward operating expenses.
The General contractor is Tom Jones Corporation Parker Jones, President, Tom Jones Corporation said ‘we are honored to have been selected and to be working with the Art Gallery to contribute to the changing face of Thunder Bay and the community gathering place that is Thunder Bay's waterfront. We look forward to this exciting collaboration to help the Art Gallery achieve its vision, which will contribute significantly to our community's cultural life, and economy and serve as a beacon of creativity and inspiration for all who visit.'
The people of Thunder Bay will have additional access to the shore of Lake Superior in both indoor and outdoor spaces at the new Gallery.' In addition, the new gallery will be one of few buildings in the City to date built to net zero standards and will align with the City of Thunder Bay's Net Zero Strategy.
