It’s been in the works for more than a decade, but sprucing up the Boulevard Lake Dam is inching closer to completion.
Current River Ward Councillor Andrew Foulds has been advocating for construction throughout the discussions.
He says the end is in sight, and the final product will be something people of Thunder Bay will be proud of.
“We’re on the final phases of construction, and I think the people of Thunder Bay are going to really love this new facility,” says Foulds, “It’s going to continue to be an iconic structure for this city for the next 100 years.”
Foulds goes on to explain the historical relevance of the Boulevard Lake Dam.
“This is really about neighborhood, this is really about this facility and what this facility means to this community. This is so much more than just concrete. This dam historically made electricity for Thunder Bay. This facility is part of the cultural fabric of this neighborhood and this city.”
Another upgrade will be on the floodgates. Before, during times of severe weather the gates could only be adjusted manually. This would take hours at times, as the crew would have to travel out to the dam, and the task itself was not easy. Now, the gates are controlled by Bluetooth, meaning they can be lowered or raised remotely which could be crucial during heavy rainfall.
He praises this as a huge step forward.
“In a few hours, water can do a lot of damage,” says Foulds on the importance of safety. “Now, because of the sensors and the ability to remotely close, it’s minutes. We can respond to those impactful weather events so it’s a game changer.”
Along with the safety upgrades, the dam will see some visual improvements. Some of the old gears for example will be converted into public art in the area, along with an upgrade to the viewing platform.
Foulds explains there will be lights along the dam, viewable from Cumberland Street, that will be customizable.
“Those lights can be programmed to be different colours. We’re going to have Boulevard Lake Dam that during pride month, they can be multi-coloured, during St. Patrick’s Day they can be green. Next year when the Leafs win the cup they can be blue and white.”
One of the issues the dam previously had was with the walkway. There were complaints it was too narrow, and difficult to navigate past people walking in the opposite directing. When the project is finished in Autumn, there will be three meters of space on the public walkway.
The construction contract on the Boulevard Lake Dam is set to expire October 31 of this year, though it is expected the project will be completed earlier.
