Thunder Bay Chronicle - Journal Editorial Letter

A letter from the paper...a view of how some see the Lakehead city...


"Lament for hometown

But for visiting friends and relatives on our annual migration south, we would bypass Thunder Bay altogether. 

Your city does have some unique features, such as Victoriaville --- the only mall of its size with more coffee shops, snack bars, and lotto than it has retail stores.  On the other hand, I must commend the city fathers who sanctioned it.  What an exceptional idea, housing all the drunks, drug dealers, prostitues etc., and keeping track of them, all under one roof. 

You have large grocery stores and a so - called wholesale food store, but combined, a Costco they do not make, not even close.  I suspect there are reasons why cities smaller than Thunder Bay have a Costco or a Sam;s Club and you don't.  Politics again?

I was puzzled at first why old downtown areas of cities like Barrie and Collingwood are a real hub of activities with stores and sidewalk cafes, while downtown Thunder Bay are virtual ghost towns, except for a few secondary businesses.  I suspect Intercity was over developed and now, you cannot support two downtown areas.  Except for the mall, Intercity is too spread out; it has no personality, no continuity.  We do like the food court in the mall.  It's open, spacious and bright.

Your broadcast media is dominated by an individual or individuals who hold a monopoly on what you see and hear, and having watched the local broadcasts I can only conclude they are amateurish, lacking polish and professionlism.  It's like a high scholl production of "and on the local scene."

Boulevard Lake is one of the bright spots of your city, not just the lake itself, but the fact that it is a huge walking, cycling, running, roller blading, outdoor track that has great atmosphere.

Terry Cantin

(born and raised at the Lakehead)

Wasaga Beach, Ont"

When we lived in Thunder Bay we lived a 2 minute walk from Boulevard Lake.  The mall which is referred to in the letter is Victoriaville Mall has recently had the post office move out and the local health unit was a block away and they closed their doors in 2007.  The new courthouse is being built a block away - it will make for a short commute for many who need to be there for business. When back in the city just recently I was surprised to see the changes and yet none.  The city seems to be stagnant and I am not sure what the solution could or might be to get it going again.  But whatever they are doing now, is clearly not working.

Lady of the Oak