The transformation of Kenora’s McLeod Park has begun, as the city takes a step towards a $25 million redevelopment of the Harbourfront area.
Sierra Construction began their work today at McLeod Park, which will include the development of a new playground and picnic area, as well as landscaping, signage and drainage improvement work.
Staff with the City of Kenora say McLeod Park, across from Husky the Muskie, will be closed to the public while construction takes place this summer, as well as its washroom facility.
Director of Community Services Stace Gander’s report to councillors at their Committee of the Whole meeting on August 2 at City Hall says staff took time to paint McLeod Park’s washroom facility’s door, trim and interior floor and repaired some masonry work before construction began.
The renovation of McLeod Park was identified in the city’s 2019 Harbourfront Business Development Plan and is the first of up to 13 phases in Kenora’s $25 million redevelopment of the Harbourfront and Greenbelt area into a four-season attraction.
The $25 million project includes plans for additional parking spots, a picnic area, pond hockey, a pool and a sauna, a new restaurant and condominium, an Indigenous gathering circle and Indigenous boardwalk art, a pedestrian roadway on Bernier Drive, shuttle services, additional surveillance and more events under the Whitecap Pavilion throughout the year.
The city paid the KGS Group $500,000 for new design work at McLeod Park through a FedNor funding agreement in March, 2022. KGS was also one of three design groups to receive over $950,000 for the Harbourfront’s redesign work in November, 2021; the city paid for $305,000 of that amount.
