Unit 1 is the third of four units that have been successfully refurbished to date. Unit 4 is tracking to be completed by 2026.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the province will foot the bill for removal costs, but he doesn't believe the city's estimate.

Staff say in a report that the estimated cost of over $48 million includes road reconstruction and road resurfacing.

Community groups have voiced their concerns about the lack of recreation spaces in the neighbourhoods and the challenges of operating year-round sports programs.

The upgrades in the area, which is located approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, will improve connections to the provincial highway network.