Bids Open for New Pavilion Build

            Thunder Bay residents are about to receive a new addition to their landscape with the building of a new pavilion in Waverley Park. While the park previously hosted a similar building, it was removed in 2011 leaving the park without a place for prom pictures, romantic rendezvous’ and shelter from the rain. The previous pavilion had been a long sought out attraction in the park, but after its roof entered a state that was beyond repair the city opted to have it torn down. Much like other aging landmarks in the area, the building simply could not be repaired to a state conducive to its purpose.
 
            The Coalition for Waverly Park, which was formed to protect the park and its history, argued to reconstruct a similar pavilion that had a higher degree of functionality yet maintained the aesthetic, and historical feel of the previous pavilion. As a result of the coalitions efforts, the City of Thunder Bay has announced that it will be rebuilding a pavilion in the same place the former one stood once it is able to retain a contractor.  $100 thousand dollars was obtained through the Federal Government to enable its reconstruction.
 
            Waverley Park has been an intrinsic part of the Thunder Bay community and the removal of the former pavilion left ripples throughout the community. Concerned residents took to social media to condemn the removal, and argue for a new installation. Waverley Park is home to a variety of performances, festivals and events each year, and is one of the centralized parks in Thunder Bay. The park is also a go-to for many of its residents for barbecues, picnics and even family reunions.
 
             Bids opened this week to contractors interested in reconstructing the pavilion, and residents of Thunder Bay were ecstatic. With preliminary sketches and artist renderings making the rounds online, brides to be and photographers are already touting the new pavilion as the “it” place to be photographed next year.
 
            The goal of the new pavilion will not only be to provide a beautiful, little space in the park but to hopefully boost local tourism. The pavilion is expected to house live concerts, plays, music and even art installations. The hope is to bring people back to Waverley Park by giving them a reason to return.
 
            Local officials have already said that there has been a high level of interest in the project with bands, and touring theatre groups contacting them about the space. Despite bids not even being closed for the project, the level of anticipation is high.
 
             A site inspection of the property is a mandatory condition for bidding on the project and city officials are eager to not just find a contractor with the right price, but with the right understanding of just what the new pavilion should be. Contractors and companies interested in bidding on the pavilions reconstruction should contact the City of Thunder Bay Directly. Bidding for this project closes on September 26th.