Work to remove Victoriaville Mall and revitalize downtown Fort William will officially begin this spring.

The City of Thunder Bay officially launched Phase 2 of the Reimagine Victoriaville project on Monday.

The tender for this project was available on Saturday and is set to close on March 11, the city said in a news release.

Aaron Ward, the city’s engineering manager, said this project is about more than just removing an aging structure.

“It’s about enhancing the vitality in our downtown, improving infrastructure, and creating a space for everyone,” Ward said in the release.

Work includes removing the mall and renovating the Victoriaville Civic Centre, Court Services and private buildings within the mall.

Victoria Avenue will be reopened to vehicles from Archibald Street to Brodie Street, and two new public plazas will be built — north of Victoria Avenue to Justice Avenue and south to Syndicate Avenue South.

“We are excited that construction is planned to begin soon,” Stephen Margarit, chair of the Downtown Fort William Revitalization Committee, said in the release.

“The Reimagine Victoriaville project will renew downtown Fort William, fostering economic growth, community pride, and sustainability. It’s a bold step towards a more connected and inclusive city.”

The city and project team engaged with the committee, property owners and tenants over the summer to refine construction and renovation plans based on their feedback.

City officials said feedback has been an integral part of this project and revealed strong support for removing the Victoriaville Centre and restoring Victoria Avenue. The first phase concluded in Oct. 2020 with council approving the complete removal of the mall.

Construction is planned to begin in April and should be mainly wrapped up by Oct. 2026.