Reviving Thunder Bay’s Simpson Street Neighborhood

When Romy Marlo Ellis shared her plans to start a cafe on Simpson Street in Thunder Bay, Ont., her friends were skeptical.

“I’ve had quite a bit of pushback or people saying, ‘are you sure you want to have a business down there?’” said Ellis, founder and chief executive officer of Crush Coffee Co.

“I’m 100 per cent sure.”

Situated in historic Fort William on the city’s south side, Simpson Street has seen many changes over time. What was once a lively downtown area is now filled with empty buildings and growing worries about public safety – mainly break-ins and open drug use.

But as the saying goes, appearances can be misleading, according to the business owners who continue to thrive there.

“They’re not really public-facing businesses but there’s gobs of businesses on the street,” said Chris Talarico, owner of Carlito’s Board Game Cafe.

“The buildings are older and a lot of them don’t look like there might be something going on – or every second building might be a little bit more dilapidated – so it’s really easy to focus on that,” he continued. “But there is much happening in the area.”

At her cafe and roastery, Ellis is currently renovating 114-B Simpson St., where she plans to launch an entirely female-led business this March. She’s teamed up with Urban Abbey and intends to hire some women from its transitional housing program.

“It’s people like me and Scotland [Morrison] of Urban Abbey and all of the different businesses – Jen [Davidson] from Canvas and Clay – people like us that have belief in the area that will actually breathe life back into it,” Ellis said.

“If nobody breathes life back into it, then the lungs remain empty.”

Upgrading infrastructure and drawing developers

The city’s Simpson Street Rehabilitation Project is now entering its third year for physical improvements.

This work includes replacing underground sanitary sewers and water mains, resurfacing asphalt, and fixing streetlights.

A rendering of the City of Thunder Bay’s Reimagining Victoriaville project, which includes the removal of the Victoriaville Mall and renovations to the Victoriaville Civic Centre, Court Services and private buildings within the mall, as well as reopening Victoria Avenue to vehicular traffic from Archibald Street to Brodie Street. Much of the construction is expected to be completed by October 2026. (City of Thunder Bay website)

The final phase aims at an area known as Charry’s Corner between Simpson and Rowand streets. Mc Kellar ward councillor Brian Hamilton mentions he’ll collect feedback from residents about what they want done during a ward meeting this spring.

The city is also moving forward with its Reimagining Victoriaville project nearby, which Hamilton believes will positively impact Simpson Street as well.

“As that commuter corridor opens up, we’re anticipating more traffic down the Simpson Street corridor that would actually support more business development, additional opportunities for entrepreneurship and residential development,” he said.

<p Regarding vacant buildings in the area, over $2 million has been secured through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund for addressing empty lots needing attention.

The city’s vacant buildings initiative has identified 59 properties that could either be demolished or repurposed for over 230 new homes.

Joel De Peuter, manager of development services for the city says this opens up more chances for both residential and commercial growth along places like Simpson Street.

“Downtowns overall are a priority for investment. I think they really define a city,” he noted. “We do hope to see additional residential projects along with greater interest in city incentive programs designed for downtown areas.”

Merging commerce with social services

This year marks Music World’s 50th anniversary; it’s always been located on Simpson Street but has moved around between various buildings over time.

The family-run store has witnessed fluctuations in neighborhood activity but also an increase in social issues.

Joe Riccio , one owner , believes that if revitalization efforts succeed , community policing should return.

“There used to be police on streets walking beats all time , we liked when they’d pop into store sometimes,” Riccio said. “I think having something like that’s good for community so everyone feels safe.”

At Carlito’s , open nearly four years now , Talarico admits some customers express concerns about visiting because of how others view their location.

“Being on main street means you’re going end up with mixed kinds population – those relying more heavily social services alongside those who aren’t,” Talarico explained.

“I think blending people here is very positive.”

In many respects , local agencies have taken charge leading revitalization efforts along Simpson St.

Our Kids Count wants transform Mc Kenzie &amp ; Simpsons streets essential service block. Construction’s underway too at Grace Place (details yet announced) while Nor West Community Health Centres continues supporting Community Garden initiative.

Romy Marlo Ellis runs Crush Coffee Co., an entirely female-led cafe &amp ; roastery. She chose locate her shop after partnering Urban Abbey.(Submitted by Romy Marlo Ellis)

Back at Crush Coffee Co., Ellis aims collaborate closely neighbors attract visitors-and sees everyone’s involvement essential towards achieving success.

“It doesn’t matter what city you’re in; you’ll find wealth alongside expansion against poverty challenges,” she stated.

< *"“* “You combat such issues by coming together supporting positive solutions instead negative voices.””**

Source link