In March 2006, the City of Thunder Bay commissioned a team led by Brook McIlroy Inc. (BMI) to undertake the design of a new mixed-use village and parklands which would extend downtown Port Arthur to the edge of Lake Superior.

Tasked with the goals of significantly strengthening the sense of community identity and providing a basis for economic growth, BMI proposed a project for Prince Arthur’s Landing that combines a range of new public activities and buildings, including a hotel, two residential buildings, an arts centre, skating rink, splash pad, children’s boating pond and new parklands, all of which have been designed in association with aboriginal communities, artists and artisans. The Water Garden Pavilion (800 m2 footprint) is central to the activity areas located at the base of Red River Road and the public portions of the park as a whole. The Pavilion provides washrooms, changing facilities, and a warm-up room for adjacent recreational uses such as the splash pad/skating rink, boat pond and skateboard park. There is a cafe/restaurant with panoramic views of Lake Superior and the majestic Sleeping Giant landform across the Bay. The space also includes the dramatic Mariner’s Hall, which is a multi-purpose space planned for hosting events, exhibitions and summer day camp activities.

The Pavilion is designed to be LEED® Gold certified. Environmentally sustainable initiatives include, passive heating and cooling, solar energy, green roof, and recycled content building material. With its dramatic views toward the Sleeping Giant, one of Canada’s most powerful and iconic natural vistas, Thunder Bay’s revitalized waterfront will offer a higher quality of life for its residents and a destination for tourists and locals alike.