As North Bay advances its long-term vision for a more active and economically vibrant waterfront, city council is preparing to commit significant capital toward a multi-year construction program that blends pedestrian infrastructure, commercial development, and marina rehabilitation. Capital budget documents outline $22.5 million in proposed municipal investment aimed at transforming key waterfront assets while improving access, safety, and long-term durability across the site.
For contractors, engineers, and skilled trades, the waterfront program represents a layered pipeline of civil, structural, marine, and building rehabilitation work that will unfold over several phases.
One of the most immediate construction priorities is the conversion of the existing mini-train underpass into a fully accessible pedestrian walkway. City council could approve nearly $5 million this year to move the project into engineering and construction delivery.
The underpass was originally constructed beneath the OVR and CPR rail corridor to allow for a future extension of the mini-train system from west of the tracks into the waterfront parklands. Under the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, city staff identified an opportunity to repurpose the structure to create an additional pedestrian connection between downtown North Bay and the waterfront.
North Bay Nugget reports that the scope of work includes construction of a new pedestrian walking surface and the addition of a second underpass beneath the existing mini-train track. Engineering services will cover preliminary and detailed design, agency approvals, preparation of contract drawings and specifications, tendering, and construction-phase technical support. From a construction standpoint, this phase will require careful coordination around active rail infrastructure, excavation, concrete works, drainage, lighting, and accessibility features.
Another component of the waterfront plan focuses on improvements to the carousel parking lot. While originally considered earlier, city staff have deferred paving until 2032, with a projected cost of $1.2 million.
The existing gravel surface has higher ongoing maintenance requirements and limited durability. Paving the lot is expected to improve service levels, reduce long-term operational costs, and better support increased visitation as waterfront amenities expand. This future work will likely involve subgrade preparation, asphalt paving, stormwater management, and line marking.
The largest single investment within the capital plan is a $14.9 million allocation intended to support commercial development at the waterfront. This portion of the program is structured across four construction phases that reflect both marine and land-based work.
The first phase involves major rehabilitation of the existing King’s Landing structure. This work is expected to address aging building systems, structural elements, and public-facing spaces to support renewed commercial activity.
Subsequent phases include construction of a new south pier and associated commercial area, placement of new rock fill at the breakwater, and landscaping and naturalization of the breakwater. Together, these phases will require marine construction expertise, heavy civil work, shoreline stabilization, and architectural coordination for new commercial spaces.
In addition to new development, the city is also planning targeted reinvestment in existing marina infrastructure through the King’s Landing and Marina Rehabilitation Program. The capital budget identifies a potential $1.5 million investment tied to this work.
Planned improvements include dredging of the Chief Commanda II slip next year, rejuvenation of the marina break wall, and general dock rehabilitation. These activities are essential for maintaining navigability, extending the service life of marine assets, and ensuring the waterfront remains functional for recreational and commercial users.
Marine rehabilitation work typically involves specialized equipment, underwater inspection, concrete and steel repairs, and environmental controls to protect surrounding water quality.
City staff have made it clear that not all waterfront projects will move forward at once. Instead, the capital plan spreads construction across several years to align with funding availability, design readiness, and operational constraints. This phased approach allows North Bay to manage risk while continuing to deliver incremental improvements that support tourism, recreation, and commercial use.
From an industry perspective, the phased nature of the program creates a steady pipeline of work rather than a single large build, which can be beneficial for local contractors and trades planning workforce and equipment needs.
The waterfront redevelopment program is expected to involve a broad range of construction trades, including:
Civil and structural engineering services
Site preparation and excavation contractors
Cast-in-place and precast concrete trades
Marine construction and dredging contractors
Structural steel and miscellaneous metals
Asphalt paving and site servicing crews
Electrical and lighting contractors
Mechanical and plumbing trades for rehabilitated buildings
Landscaping and shoreline naturalization specialists
Dock, pier, and marine systems installers
With $22.5 million in proposed investment, North Bay is signaling a long-term commitment to its waterfront as a civic, economic, and recreational asset. The focus on pedestrian connectivity, commercial activation, and marine infrastructure rehabilitation reflects a construction program that balances public access with economic development.
As engineering work begins and phased construction advances, the waterfront plan is set to generate meaningful opportunities for contractors while reshaping how residents and visitors experience North Bay’s shoreline.