No surprise the multi-use indoor turf facility dominating an on-line town hall with Thunder Bay’s At-large city councillors.
They were asked Thursday night if it could still be stopped.
City clerk Krista Power noted while the tender to find a construction firm has not been sent out yet, council could also set up a motion supported by a 9-3 vote to stop seeking a bidder. It could also reject any bid by a contractor to start building. “Essentially that would stop the project, unless council was to give further direction to do other work, instead of awarding the tender.”
Councillor Aldo Ruberto, who supports it, pointed out regardless of any project, there will always be opposition. He also said this was decided on in 2017, with public consultation, and it’s just now that the vocal minority is voicing opposition.
They also disputed belief in the community that any involvement by the private sector has been rejected.
Aldo Ruberto pointing out with so many potential users of the facility, there is no competition. “If the private sector wanted to put up those bubbles, they could’ve put them up in one year. It doesn’t take two years or three years. So the opportunity was there.”
Rebecca Johnson added support for any private sector involvement is needed. “We should be helping to make they can set up their business and establish themselves, and in turn they can provide taxes.”
Mark Bentz added it is disappointing we lost that opportunity. Peng You noted people will complain whether something is done, or not done. When asked about having a plebiscite, or public vote on the issue, Trevor Giertuga pointed out that was considered before, and it’s something he would like to have seen.
