More details are needed before the public comments on the city’s proposed turf facility.
That’s the feeling of the Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson.
“Without that information, it’s really hard for the community to properly understand the project appropriately and provide their thoughts on whether we should proceed and look at how we are going to pay for this,” Robinson said.
The deadline to comment on the turf facility is this Sunday.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, they would like to find out more information about the following:
- What is the business plan?
- What is the financial breakdown of operating revenues and expenses?
- What is the net operating impact to the City of Thunder Bay?
- What are the schedules that inform user revenue projections regarding daily usage?
- What information has been provided by the CEDC and Tourism Thunder Bay on the economic impact projections of this facility for our community?
- Have any private partners such as local sporting groups committed to capital contributions? If so, are there any agreements relating to priority scheduling for funding partners?
- Does the building design include loading doors of at least 14’ that allow trade show hosting capacity?
- Does the plan include purchase of a solid floor to cover the turf for trade show events?
- Does the building design include air conditioning?
- What type of kitchen facilities are included for concession and catering?
- Have the senior levels of government committed/approved funding contributions? If not and if there is a funding shortfall, what is the plan to finance this project?
- What will the property tax implications be?
- Will this facility compete with the private sector turf facility that is currently in progress?
You can read their full letter to City Council HERE. To comment on the city’s proposal you can click HERE.
