Demolition of Iconic Simpson Street Business

THUNDER BAY – Demolition of the Famous Shoe Shop at 543 Simpson Street happened on July 9 2016. The Famous Shoe Repair Shop was a long-time Simpson Street business.  Former business owners, Mr. and Mrs. Decicco immigrated from Italy to Canada in the late 1950’s, first to Red Lake, Ontario, and then to Port Arthur, Thunder Bay, and then settling on Simpson Street.

Lisa Adamo, the Facilities Administrator for Norwest Community Health states, “This is the fourth building that has been knocked down on Simpson Street.” The entire block will now house the expanded Norwest Health Centre.

The Famous Shoe Shop opened in 1965, and many customers came and went for many years with refurbished and polished shoes and boots. Sadly, Mr. Decicco passed away in December 2015, and the family had to formally close the Famous Shoe Shop in January 2016.

NorWest Community Health Centres is currently undergoing an expansion and wanted to include additional property in their plans, and were able to purchase the property through an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant in May 2016.

In honour of the history of the building and the diverse history of Simpson Street, we want to recognize the first business district in the area. The property is being developed into a green space for staff and clients of the Centre. It will officially be designated as the ‘Shoe Makers Garden’ for its memory to live on.

Famous Shoe Repair Demolition Full Video

NorWest Community Health Centres has been in operation for over twenty five (25) years, providing interdisciplinary health care to individuals who reside in the District of Thunder Bay.