The Construction Climate in Thunder Bay
by Scott A. Sumner
There are many good construction projects happening in Thunder Bay this season.
The Thunder Bay Conservatory will be undergoing some major improvements. The City of Thunder Bay awarded an $ 4.8 million contract to M Builds Thunder Bay which involves building an upgraded greenhouse and new annex to connect the conservatory and greenhouses.
The City of Thunder Bay contract for the reconstruction of Balmoral Street from the Alloy Drive intersection northerly to the Beverly Street intersection, including the reconstruction of the Balmoral Street/Central Avenue intersection is upcoming. The work generally includes earth excavation and grading, asphalt removal and paving, asphalt multi-use trails, granular A and B supply and placement, street lighting, curb and gutter and storm sewer construction.
The Thunder Bay Airport will receive funding of over $12.4 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding for the rehabilitation of air side surfaces, lighting and electrical systems; the construction of runway end safety areas; the installation of air side LED guidance signage; and the purchase of two aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles.
In addition to the support from Transport Canada, the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority is also receiving more than $1.5 million in financial assistance from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). The funding, made available through the Aerospace Regional Recovery and the Regional Air Transportation Initiatives, will be used to upgrade lighting and HVAC equipment, as well as replace two aging escalators in the terminal building. The projects are designed to enhance safety and maintain air service.
Some other projects underway in Thunder Bay are an addition at Gore Motors Honda, addition and an addition and improvements to the Home Hardware Memorial Avenue.
On the horizon from Infrastructure Ontario is a $1.2 billion project that will result in development of a 345-bed, multi-purpose correctional facility. This project supports the ministry's strategy of replacing aging institutions to address health, safety and security issues, including efficiencies of design, technology and space. It will improve access to
programming, living conditions and education, while also updating automation and technology.
