THUNDER BAY – “The Victoria Avenue BIA and the Simpson Street BIA have joined forces to urge Council to seriously consider placing the Multiplex in the South Core”, states Jim Hupka, Chair of the Victoria Ave BIA. The South Core has the qualities and resources to support the economic and environmental sustainability for the viability of the project. We currently have the infrastructure (fiber optics, upgraded sewer, water) in place. We have an unobstructed view of Lake Superior from upper floors; we have a large selection of Hotels on Arthur Street, within shuttle distance, to accommodate the influx of tourism.
The Fort William Gardens has served the whole community of Thunder Bay very well for the past 60 years. Keeping it in the south core is a clear choice for revitalization and business. The City of Thunder Bay is the largest vacant property and vacant land owner in the Victoria Ave & Simpson St BIAs, many of which are clustered in shovel ready, large land tract acres. The City of Thunder Bay is also once again the largest under utilized Parking lot owner in both South core BIAs.
The City of Thunder Bay controls many properties that would be ideal for parking and development with no acquisitions costs.
The BIAs have struck a committee comprising of Tom Petrie, Vice Chair Victoria Ave BIA; JP Fraser, Board member Victoria Ave BIA and Dave Wilson, Manager Simpson Street BIA, to ensure that our area is given the consideration due.