Thunder Bay now targets December 6 to reopen Victoria Avenue, weather permitting, with temporary pedestrian access and more construction planned for 2027
City cites unexpected underground conditions; finishing work and further temporary road closures are planned for 2027
THUNDER BAY — October 28, 2026 — The City of Thunder Bay now expects Victoria Avenue to reopen to vehicle traffic by December 6, weather permitting, as construction continues on the Reimagine Victoriaville project.
The revised target moves the reopening more than a month beyond the October 31 date published in the City’s construction FAQ. The City says the return of traffic will improve access to downtown Fort William businesses and destinations during the holiday season.
In an October 28 update, the City said unexpected underground conditions required additional investigation and remedial work, affecting the construction schedule. The release did not describe those conditions in detail or identify any related cost changes.
Crews are expected to complete paving within the next two weeks. Work on sidewalks, lighting, business entrances and other streetscape features will then continue as weather allows.
“Reopening Victoria Avenue to vehicle traffic before the holiday season will be an important milestone for the project and downtown businesses,” said Kelvin Jankowski, manager of capital facility construction.
“We appreciate the patience of businesses, residents, and visitors as the project moves toward completion.”
Drivers and pedestrians will continue to encounter construction-related restrictions after the road reopens. The City says temporary pedestrian routes will remain where needed throughout the winter to maintain safe access to businesses and properties.
The paving planned for the coming weeks is part of preparing the road for reopening. The City says the permanent road surface will be completed during the 2027 construction season, along with landscaping, paving stone features and remaining sidewalk and plaza work.
That work will require additional temporary road closures. The October 28 release does not provide dates or durations for those closures.
For businesses and customers in the south core, the revised schedule means vehicle access is expected to return in December, while some pedestrian routes and public spaces will remain unfinished through the winter.
The redevelopment follows the removal of Victoriaville Centre and includes rebuilding Victoria Avenue, improving adjacent buildings and creating new public spaces. The City’s project timeline already identifies plaza construction and landscaping as work continuing into 2027.
The City links the project to Action Item A1 of its Smart Growth Action Plan, which calls for a renewed downtown south core with public space supporting retail and cultural activity.
Several business owners across the city have been expressing concerns about the communications from the City of Thunder Bay over construction projects. In the Waterfront District and in the Fort William BIA, knowing what is happening is key for business owners, expecially during these uncertain times.
