We were led through the Pool 6 elevator, and began to comprehend the size of industrial operations and the opportunities for existing reuse of some of the structures. We drove the roads on Mission and McKellar Islands realizing the fantastic land and resource base within minutes of the urban cores. The waterfront is Thunder Bay's industrial port. We quickly realized that unlike many communities, redevelopment here must coexist within the context of functioning and viable industrial operations. This will undoubtedly be a challenge.
Thunder Bay is poised to embark on the next wave of waterfront development.
There have been tremendous improvements in tourism marketing, public access and environmental restoration. Building on these successful initiatives, there is now an opportunity to develop diverse new urban districts that are logical extensions of the existing urban cores. There is tremendous support for these concepts. We heard passionate pleas from hundreds of residents who attended workshops. People of all ages spoke of a desire to use the waterfront, the appeal of residential neighbourhoods, the attraction of vibrant waterfront districts with shopping and restaurants and the urgency to continue restoring a healthy environment.