Thunder Bay wants say in Shuniah development

Thunder Bay's planning department wants to have a say in where development takes place in the neighbouring municipality of Shuniah.

The city's planning manager said the Bare Point water treatment plant is in Shuniah, and the city wants to make sure its water supply is protected, particularly if a new subdivision is built in the area.

"[The] city of Thunder Bay [wants to] have an opportunity to review and essentially evaluate any potential impact that a new development proposal would have on our water intake zone,” Leslie McEachern said.

McEachern also said the city has concerns that, if Shuniah township grows, demand for services like libraries in Thunder Bay will go up.

The city does not receive tax payments from those who live outside city limits.

The Bare Point water treatment plant was built in 1913, and expanded in 1978. It’s the only water treatment plant that supplies the city.