Kaministiquia Industrial Park

Thunder Bay is located at the headwaters of the largest Fresh Water system in the world - Lake Superior. The main artery of Thunder Bay, the Kaminisitiquia river carries water towards this major body of water, and albeit it’s tremendous role in mediating Lake Superior, it’s role within Thunder Bay has been swept away by industry and transportation. The Kaminisitiquia river has a long history as a sacred body of water, habitat and lifeline to Thunder Bay and the Anishinaabe people homeland with major views to the sacred Thunder Mountain. As one of only a few water systems that links east and west, the Kamnistiquia river was integral to early transcontinental travel during both pre-and post contact times. With the arrival of rail and industry, the river has become innaccessibile - creating a barrier between Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.

The Kaministiquia river now has 9 abandonned industrial relics along it’s waterside - as the story of industry begins to fade away, what happens to the spaces left behind? How do they begin to bring water accessibility, character and connection to communities in need. Westfort Ruins Park is the first phase in activating the fading industry along the Kamnistiquia River. The project looks to re-wild a brownfield site by taking a demolished storage factory that existed along the Kaministiquia river. The remnant concrete of the factory’s foundation acts a connection between industry, water, and community and plays a role in defining decay and growth within the City. Rather than abolishing the history of industry along the riverside, the project looks to do more with less by activating the existing industrial relics upon the site and pushing the boundaries of a traditional North American waterfront park.