A local business owner will make her case to delay the turf facility.
When Lori Paras speaks before city council tonight, she’ll point out not only can Thunder Bay not afford it right now due COVID-19, but as a businesswoman the project does not make sense.
“That is concerning to me because you don’t have a formula to be able to turn a profit. The Community Economic Development Commission said in their report that this facility will not make money,” says Paras.
The Hub Bazaar says considering Thunder Bay’s finances, she will ask council not to make an emotional decision, but one based on expert advice. “We’ve got these reviews from Thunder Bay Tourism, a review is in from the CEDC, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has spoken, and they don’t think there was enough consultation.”
The downtown business owner adds on-line consultations by the city show half the city is either completely against it, or want it delayed.
“I think the majority of people in Thunder Bay, would support the building of the turf facility, if there was more transparency in the financials, more public consultations, and taking that plan so that it satisfies more of the needs of the community,” says Paras.
She says she would love to see one built, just not right now.
