THUNDER BAY – As part of the long term rehabilitation of Waverley Park, the Bandshell will be demolished. The City has contracted R&S Bobcat Services to undertake the demolition work which is expected to be complete by mid April.
The decision to demolish the Bandshell has been made in consultation with the Coalition for Waverley Park, the Heritage Advisory Committee, local user groups as well as the Rotary Club (Port Arthur) and Musician’s Association who provided significant funding for the original structure.
The long term plans for the Bandshell area are to use the existing concrete foundation and incorporate a prefabricated shade structure over top that can be used by individuals and community groups for small performances or gatherings.
The rationale for demolition includes:
– Significant maintenance concerns – structure requires re-roofing, painting and repair to plywood floor. It was deemed that the money would be better spent replacing rather than repairing the Bandshell.
– Bandshell is out of scale with current uses – small performances by community groups currently use the bandshell and the height is overpowering for small, intimate performances.
– Bandshell is out of context with the surrounding architecture of PACI, churches and homes in the area.
– Bandshell is visually dominating in the park and is an impediment to views into and from the park.
– The Coalition for Waverley Park and surrounding user groups desire a structure more visually in keeping with the historical character of the park and one in which more intimate performances or gatherings can be undertaken.
The scope of work is as follows:
– Demolish and remove from site the Bandshell structure including all flooring, superstructure, interior and exterior cladding.
– Disposal of all material according to provincial and local By-laws. It is expected that all recyclable materials shall be diverted from general landfill to the appropriate recycling centre.
– The existing concrete foundation is to be retained and protected from damage during demolition. Any structural steel extending from the concrete
base is to be cut off flush with the concrete surface and ground smooth to ensure no sharp edges exposed.
– Any site disturbance created by demolition is to be restored as close as possible to pre-demolition condition.
– Trees in the park are to be protected in accordance with current City Engineering Standards. Driving of vehicles over the root zones is to be kept to a minimum and only when there is no other alternative.
Be advised that construction fencing surrounding the work area has been set up around the Bandshell and demolition has begun. Work is anticipated to continue for up to 2 weeks. During this time, the sidewalk on the north side of Waverley Street adjacent to the Bandshell, as well as a few angled parking spots may be temporarily closed to ensure the safety of the Public and the Contractor working on site with heavy equipment. The City of Thunder Bay is asking that resident please respect the closure.