Thunder Bay waterfront pond project starts this fall

The city of Thunder Bay is looking for a contractor to expand a pond near Prince Arthur's Landing.

The work is part of an agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to replace fish habitat lost when part of the lake was filled in for the waterfront development.

A planner with the parks department said the project includes expanding a marshy area near the former Pool 6 grain elevatorsite.

"It exists already, in a small fashion, Werner Schwar said. We're making it deeper too, so there's water permanently around and it doesn't freeze right to the bottom."

The pond project also includes a walking trail and signage, he said. The entire project will focus on natural restorationusing native plants, and will provide some educational and interpretive value as well.

Construction will begin this fall, with completion set for the spring, when planting will be done.

The work is covered under the budget of phase one of the citys waterfront development plan.