The City of Thunder Bay wants public feedback as it updates an environmental assessment for the planned Northwest Arterial roadway.

The Northwest Arterial will provide a connection to the northwest part of the City. The corridor is part of a plan to improve the transportation system in the northwest portion of Thunder Bay. This proposed road is integrated with future plans by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) for the Thunder Bay Expressway, which will include a four-lane divided highway, new interchanges, and the elimination of highway access at Oliver Road and John Street.

The City completed a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study in 1989 and a subsequent 1992 Addendum report to determine the best location for the Northwest Arterial. Due to the considerable amount of time since those studies, a review of the current project environment is needed to make sure the project design and environmental mitigation measures outlined in the previous reports are still valid.

The planned Northwest Arterial road is approximately 3.76 km in length, designed with four paved vehicle lanes, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and active transportation paths. The road would have a bridge crossing the McIntyre River and at its north and south points, connect with Dawson Road and Golf Links Road.

The public can learn more about the planned Northwest Arterial roadway, the environmental assessment process and provide their feedback at online and in-person events:

  • A public open house on Wednesday, December 4, 5-8 p.m. at the 55 Plus Centre (700 River Street)
  • Project information and further resources are available at getinvolvedthunderbay.ca
  • A public survey will be available from Dec. 4 to Jan. 10, 2025, online at thunderbay.ca/getinvolved, with paper copies at City Hall and Thunder Bay Public Library branches