Berm proposed to alleviate chronic Thunder Bay flooding issues
July 7, 2026 at 10:08 AM
A naturalized berm could protect flood-prone homes in the Thunder Bay area, a staff report says.
In an update at the July 6 council-in-committee meeting, councillors learned that an investigation into flooding in the Six Mile Creek watershed found the berm solution ranked well across several evaluation categories. The proposal sees a 425-metre naturalized earthen berm that follows the rear property lines next to the watershed.
“The solution ranked highest across all evaluation categories for its cost-effectiveness, property owner acceptance, technical feasibility, and climate change resiliency,” the report said.
While it was just an update, Councillor Joan Christensen said she was happy to see progress.
“I welcome this project being moved forward as I remember all too well the 2019 flood that…made Shirley and Neva Road north of Thunder Bay virtually impassable and it completely flooded Six Mile Creek,” she said.
Flooding in the area has been an ongoing concern for decades, the report said, including for homes along Shirley, Neva and Bethune.
An environmental assessment determined the flooding is mostly caused by the lake, and not riverine impacts.
“The root cause of flooding was caused primarily by the lake storm surge events, or the seiche events that happen when we get strong west or southwest winds,” said Tommy Peazel, director of infrastructure services.
Significant flooding in the area happened as recently as 2024, the report said, but noted it’s been a long-term chronic issue.
In addition to the berm, the planned solution includes passive backflow prevention culverts at each tributary.
The town has spent roughly half of the $500,000 budgeted for the project. The remaining half and another $630,000 will be required in 2027 to complete the detailed design and field investigations.
Staff estimate another nearly $1.6 million will be required for construction in 2028. That puts the total cost in the neighbourhood of $2.73 million.
While the report noted high resident acceptance of the proposed solution, Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes said they did receive some late comments from a resident. However, with Monday’s report simply being an update, those comments can be addressed at a later date when the project comes back for formal approval.
Motion asks staff to review hours for parks and open spaces
Tender awarded for Prospect Point Road North project
Council, public share thoughts on proposed official plan update
About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
This has nothing to do with Thunder Bay. The area in question is in the rural community of Gillies, miles west of the city of Thunder Bay.
Terrible reporting!
You’re right. This story isn’t about the City of Thunder Bay at all, and that’s because we aren’t reporting on the City of Thunder Bay; we’re reporting on the Thunder Bay neighbourhood in the Town of Fort Erie. But thanks for dropping by.