Fisherman's Park (Current River Park) Proposal

Please see the bottom right column for the most recent reports

Background

The following information was presented by the

Forest Capital Development Association, Millennial Legacy Project . Current River Greenway Master Plan 2000

"River du Currer"

In the late 19th century one of Port Arthur’s most popular and spectacular attractions was the “River du Currer” which tumbled over several miles of rapids into Lake Superior. Victorian visitors would travel along the Lake Superior shoreline to capitalize upon the “view of the water running over about a quarter of a mile of rapids, over two hundred feet wide….a sight second only to Niagara Falls.” (Daily Sentinel, Port Arthur, May 7, 1880). Indeed, once incorporated in 1884, Port Arthur established that the beautification of the Current River was one of the new town’s priority projects. Referencce; Introduction, Page 1

Current River Park

The birth of the Current River Park network began in 1891 when Port Arthur’s Board of Directors purchased 360 acres of parkland on either side of the mouth of the Current river on Lake Superior. Spectacular views of both the lake and the Current River waterfalls were afforded from this park which later became a street car terminus and recreational activity node at the north end of the city.The park was expanded in 1902-1903. It then extended from Park Avenue west to “the hill”, south to Gibson Street and down to the Lake Superior waterfront. Only the CPR tracks and open trestle/bridge network divided the park.The largely natural park received modest development over its first decade. A dance pavilion was constructed in this era. The park also suffered from a disastrous flood in 1906 which necessitated the need for a new park plan. Accordingly, the City retained the consulting services of Canada’s first and foremost landscape architect Frederick J. Todd. His mandate was to address the civic improvements and prepare plans for Current River and Waverly Park.A carriageway network which actually traversed the island at the mouth of the Current River was a unique feature of the plan. The “Merry Knight” Park Pavilion and numerous other park improvements were all incorporated in Mr. Todd’s plans. Surprisingly, the decline of Current River Park first began when the park was being most heavily used. During the period 1910 to 1920 the City sold off its park frontage on Lake Superior. The construction of Cumberland Street through the park, and continued upgrading to the CPR and later CNR transcontinental rail lines essentially cut the park in two. These civic improvements ultimately forced the majority of park development to occur between Cumberland Street and Boulevard Lake. Finally by 1926, with the sale of additional parkland, recreational activities along the waterfront were reduced and even views of Lake Superior were lost.From the 1930’s, the City’s focus increasingly centered on developing Boulevard Lake. Other active recreation facilities were developed at Current River Park which included the Park Arena, a tourist camp, sports fields and extensive day use/ picnic facilities.Today, Current River Park has become two distinct geographically separated entities – the Lake Superior Waterfront and the recreation and open spaces area above Cumberland and the Boulevard Lake Dam. Reference, Pages 21-23.

Mouth of the Current River (east of CPR tracks to Lake Superior)

East of the bridge on Shipyard Drive, remnants of the original Current River park become visible. Approximately 400 meters of Lake Superior frontage remains in City ownership. Other than use of the recently constructed Federal Government commercial fishing dock and boat launch and spring fishing for Smelt and Rainbow Trout, very little activity occurs in what was once the City’s “Edwardian waterfront pleasure ground” .Reference, Page 38.

Before Pictures

 

North Shore Steelhead Association's

Current Planning Strategies

The Millenial Project is still onging, however, the City of Thunder Bay has no plans to develop this area in the near future. Currently the City is working on extending the trial system between Cumberland Street and Shipyard Drive, which will bring users of the trail system to the extrance to Fisherman's Road, and the exact location the NSSA wishes to develop into a park.

The goal of the NSSA is to reclaim this abused area, and return it to a natural setting, while offering a view of the lower Current River and the wildlife which abounds, as well as a place which the citizens of our city will want to visit.

 

Phase 1, 2009

Beginning in 2009 the property will be thoroughly cleaned up of debris and garbage. A rough trail following the river will be created. The dead trees will be taken down and chipped on site or removed to the laydown area at the City municipal waste collection depot. The property will be landscaped using light machinery to remove larger rock, and to move the existing soil in order to level the property and provide proper drainage.. Bollards or large rocks will be installed at entrances to prevent unwanted vehicular traffic. A parking area will be developed to allow vehicles to remain outside the park area. In the fall of this year the rough trail will be prepared to allow for paving to be done in the spring of 2010. Grass and clover seed will be spread before the snow in hopes of germination taking place early in the spring.

Phase 2, 2010

This year will see the trail paved along the circumference of the property, and the inclusion of new flower beds and picnic areas. Bare areas will be reseeded with grass, clover, and wildflower mix. Numerous native tree species and shrubs will be planted to beautify the area. In-ground garbage and recycling receptacles will be installed. A toilet facility (port-a-potty) will be installed for convenience. Storyboards depicting the history of the area will be added to the trail as interest items. Solar lighting will be added to highlight some interpretive signage, and flowerbeds. Dependant on the engineering reports done the previous fall, work to repair or remove the concrete wall may be considered.

 

Phase 3, 2011 and beyond

Possible development of the trail to include additional observation areas complete with fishing platforms. Also being considered is the construction of a bridge system, which would link the islands allowing access to the western side of the river, and the development of that property.

 

Progress Report - June 9th 2009

The Clean up days were held on June 6th. and 7th. and were well attended by both club members and community volunteers.

The entire property was cleaned up of garbage, debris and used needles. All dead and unwanted scub trees were removed and placed in piles for chipping or removal by the City. Careful attention was given to ensure that fruit trees and small conifers were not damaged, and that any trees that contained bird nests were not disturbed.

The volunteers from HydroOne forestry services removed "burning" trees (too close to the hydro lines) and using the heavy equipment provided by Hydro One, removed some of the old concrete walls and structure, as well as creating a rough trail next to the river. Large boulders were recovered and moved to provide barriers to vehicular traffic.

After Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Progress Report - September 24th 2009

The required survey was completed in August by ENL engineering. To view the survey ...click here. A copy of the survey has been given to Brad Green a local architect in order to put our ideas on paper. Our application to add fill and to consturct structures on the property was approved by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. The adjustment to the grade of the trail, necessary to be compliant with handicap accessibilty aspects, and the addition of gravel material for the trail base should be completed this fall.

Progress Report  - November 16th, 2009

The work on the Current River Park project has been completed for this year. Menei Brothers contracting spent 6 days in November laying down gravel, compacting, and grading the trail in preparation for paving this coming spring. The area was seeded by George Clark and Barry Tabor with a mix of grass and clover seed. Wildflower seed will be planted in the spring.

City council has agreed to provide asphalt for the Current River park project. Many thanks to councillor Andrew Foulds for his assistance and to Mayor Lynn Peterson for her support. Additional thanks to Mr. Paul Fayrick the manager of Parks and Recreation for his ongoing efforts.                       

 

Progress Report  - May 11th 2010

 

Thanks to the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council for their cleanup event at "Fisherman's Park" held on May 11th 2010 as part of the 'Spring Up to Clean Up' campaign.

 

Progress Report  - June 21st 2010

Tree Planting

On Monday June 21st the first tree planting event was held.

Special thanks to Hydro One Forestry Division for the genereous contribution of the 25 trees from LCR Estates, and to Tim Ross for all his help in selecting suitable species.

 

 

 

Progress Report  - July 15th 2010

On July 15th 2010 the trail and main areas were attacked by a team of volunteers intent on removing all weeds and grass from the immediate area...see the photos below

Thanks to all those who participated

Progress Report  - July 16th, 2010

The NSSA applied for a building permit to allow for the construction of the 3 concrete pads which will eventually house the shelters.

Also on July 16 the NSSA submitted a proposal for funding with the City of Thunder Bay through the Community Partnership Funding Program. IF we are successfull and time allows, the 3 shelters will be erected this fall.

More good news; Mr Paul Fayrick, City Parks Manager, has informed us that the trail and parking lot will be paved this fall.

Unfortunately we have been informed by Thunder Bay Hydro that the 2 telephone poles located in the park area will not be moved at this time, due to the estimated $35,0000.00 cost to do so.

 

To be continued......

 

Project Partnership Opportunities

If you wish to get involved in this project please contact:

 

Frank Edgson, Project Coordinator at 807-475-7712 or Lorne Allard, Fund Raising Coordinator at 807-767-1555

 

Partners involved to date include:

Bradford H. Green Architect Inc.

Bruno’s Contracting Ltd.

Campbell Trucking & Backhoe Services Inc.

Hydro One (Forestry Services)

Italian Society of Port Arthur

Korkola Design Communications

LCR Estates

Levitt Safety Ltd.

Menei Brothers Thunder Bay

Ministry of Natural Resources

Moffatt Supply Ltd.

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

The City of Thunder Bay

Tom Jones General Contractors