City council has unanimously approved the rezoning of 869 Golf Links Road, allowing Forum Properties to move ahead with its planned Forum Centrepoint retail plaza in the Innova Business Park area. The decision clears the way for a major commercial development that will introduce new dining, shopping, and pedestrian access options to an area that has long lacked walkable amenities. The project represents a significant investment in local economic growth, construction activity, and community-serving retail infrastructure.
The development site sits at the corner of Golf Links Road and the Harbour Expressway, positioned on existing transit routes and within a growing employment area. With the rezoning from industrial and natural heritage classifications to commercial use, the property will now support approximately 115,000 square feet of retail space spread across eight individual buildings.
The plan includes:
A McDonald's restaurant with drive-through service.
Two additional drive-through restaurant sites.
A grocery store, anticipated to be one of the first tenants ready to open.
Several general retail units to support everyday services for residents and employees.
TB News Watch reports that the project is expected to cost up to $36 million in construction, with an additional $9 million in soft costs for engineering, environmental studies, consulting, and permitting. Developer Toby Singlehurst, president of Forum Properties, noted that revenues from leasing agreements will help offset soft costs and support long-term sustainability of the plaza.
Construction will proceed in two phases, as shown on the Forum Centrepoint development map.
Phase One:
Construction of three buildings, including McDonald’s and the grocery store.
Located along Golf Links Road, between Innovation Drive and the Harbour Expressway.
This phase is scheduled to open by mid-2027, pending building permits and contractor scheduling.
Phase Two:
Adds five new commercial buildings west of the Phase One site.
Will expand the tenant mix and increase retail capacity as demand builds in the area.
This phased approach allows for infrastructure installation to be coordinated with tenant build-outs, stabilizing the site financially as occupancy grows.
The development will feature:
A large centralized parking lot with efficient two-way vehicle circulation.
Sidewalk access throughout the property, ensuring walkability between businesses.
Road access points from both Innovation Drive and Golf Links Road, promoting smooth traffic flow.
Planned connection to the multi-use trail network near Confederation College, supporting pedestrian and cycling commuters.
Several councillors raised the importance of ensuring adequate transit access. While only one bus stop currently services the area, City Manager John Collin confirmed that the city’s shift toward an on-demand bus system will keep access flexible. As the plaza grows and foot traffic increases, the city may:
Add new transit stops
Increase route frequency
Expand on-property bus access if needed
Services for riders with accessibility needs will continue to provide direct-to-destination pick-up and drop-off, ensuring full inclusivity.
With an estimated $45 million total development cost, the Forum Centrepoint project will generate employment across a wide range of construction and skilled trades. Key workforce participants include:
Surveyors and Civil Engineers for grading, site layout, and earthworks coordination
Excavation Crews to prepare foundations and utility corridors
Concrete Formwork and Foundation Specialists to build structural slab foundations
Steel Erectors and Structural Installers for framing commercial buildings
Masons and Exterior Cladding Installers for façade and wall assembly
Roofers and Waterproofing Technicians to secure building envelope systems
Electricians and Low-Voltage Technicians installing lighting, power distribution, and signage
Plumbers and Gas Fitters for restaurant and grocery store service needs
HVAC Installers integrating rooftop units and mechanical ventilation
Carpenters and Drywall Installers fitting out interior retail spaces
Concrete and Asphalt Paving Crews constructing parking lots and drive lanes
Landscapers and Hardscape Crews implementing sidewalks, planters, seating, and pedestrian pathways
These trades will be coordinated through general contracting and project management teams, ensuring compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, and municipal servicing requirements.
Forum Properties has confirmed that the new development will complement—not compete with—the retail warehouse and gas bar project already planned just north of the site. By designing both projects together, tenant offerings will be curated to avoid overlap and strengthen the area’s commercial ecosystem.
Once complete and fully leased, Forum Centrepoint is projected to generate approximately $1.2 million annually in property tax revenue, supporting city services and future community investment. The project is set to provide a walkable commercial hub where residents, workers, and students can access retail services without driving across town.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Golf Links Road Regional Commercial Development - Thunder Bay (0055071522)