Work will soon be starting on a major Main Street rehabilitation project as part of the City of North Bay's Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan. The North Bay city staff has been wanting a major downtown rehabilitation project for quite some time.
The last major renovations to the streets were completed almost 40 years ago. The reconstruction will include surface infrastructure such as:
- Curbs and gutters
- Asphalt road paving
- Decorative concrete sidewalks
- Various other upgrades from Main Street between Cassells and Sherbrooke, as well as a section of Ferguson Street between Main and Oak
"We've worked for a couple of years on design and rendering and consultation with the downtown prospers owners and tenants of the downtown. It's time. The bricks and sidewalks and what not are at the end of their useful life and it's time for some rehabilitation."
City Manager of Planning & Building Services | Beverley Hillier
iHeart Radio states that the downtown business community has been fully supportive of the project since it's inception.
"We'll be able to have some more small events and also some large events. It's going to make the street scape safer and much improved."
Chair of Downtown North Bay & Waterfront | Michelle Trudeau
The DIA had asked for a delay from city council in the spring so that the businesses could begin their financial recovery from the COVID pandemic and their fear that construction would interrupt that.
CTV News reports that the latest figures peg the construction at around $6.2 million.
There will be a public open house on July 26 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm for a project update, a chance to view the preliminary designs and to ask staff questions.
Construction is anticipated to start next spring with completion expected for the fall of 2024.
According to an article in Northbay.ca, the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan has the potential to provide the following economic benefits:
- Attracting new businesses and creating jobs
- Encouraging private sector investment
- Impacts of construction
- Expanded opportunities for local residents
- Increases in tourism
- New and expanded festivals and events
- Opportunities for the local film and television industry
A key component of the Master Plan is the revitalization and reconstruction of Main Street, which is the main commercial street in the Downtown Core. The Main Street revitalization will create an enhanced pedestrian experience and contribute to retail growth. These upgrades to Main Street will attract more residents and visitors and add to downtown North Bay's vibrancy.
