A $6.6-million investment will be going towards six infrastructure projects in Northwestern Ontario.

$5-million of it is headed to Thunder Bay to improve Prince Arthur’s Landing Festival Area.

The funding comes through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.

Mayor Bill Mauro discusses the project in greater detail.

“The hope of the work is the renovation of the outdoor festival area,” explains Mauro. “Bigger component pieces are the reorientation of the stage, there will be some other health and safety improvements, some backstage infrastructure like electrical work on the lights.”

While the price tag of $5-million is significant, it will not hurt the taxpayer locally as much as it seems. Mauro explains.

“Out of the five million estimated cost, only about 1.3 or 1.4 will have to come from the city of Thunder Bay.”

The rest of the cost is being covered by the federal and provincial governments.

Mayor Mauro concludes by stating how important the space is to Thunder Bay.

“The Waterfront Park has become a real focus for the community, and this specific project will enhance infrastructure that really does serve as a focus for much of the activity that occurs at the waterfront on a given year.”

It is estimated that around 100,000 people attend festivals at the site yearly.

The investment will also see funds headed to Thunder Bay’s Centre Francophone.