The multi-use indoor turf facility was once again discussed at city council Monday night.
Talks did not see much progress, council eventually deciding to establish individual parameters by the June 14th city council meeting.
“Members of council, if there are drop dead parameters they can’t find themselves supporting regardless, they have to be ready on the 14th or else we’re going to be here forever tonight. I do have a couple parameters I am unwilling to compromise on.” stated Current River Ward councillor Andrew Foulds.
It is still unclear whether the city wants to partner with a private group to construct the facility.
Mayor Bill Mauro summarized the issue as a whole, stating he hopes council can begin seeing some consistent progress.
Mauro also mentioned he was disappointed with how the discussions have affected Thunder Bay.
“It’s unfortunate for me how this project has polarized the community.”
Monday’s discussion was brought forward by At Large councillor Mark Bentz who made the call for private sector investment, whether it’s from within the city or not.
The councillor adds he’s heard from interested parties inside and outside of Thunder Bay, including a group that wants to build a site off Golf Links Road.
“We want a fair and open process, that’ll let anyone and everyone to come in with proposals for any type of structure in any type of location,” Bentz said.
As for attempting this route in the past, Bentz says the previous council tried this at the end of its term, and this council tried it early in the mandate.
The search for a new building began after a snowstorm caused the collapse of the Sportsdome on the CLE Grounds in November of 2016, leaving groups including the soccer community without a place to play.
The original price tag for a building from the city was estimated between $30 million to $40 million, but council heard back in March that number jumped to $46 million dollars, which includes $8.8 million in interest payments on a $16.6 million dollar debenture.
Breaking Down the Funds
- Approximately $8.8 million in interest payments on a $16.6 million dollar debenture
- Just over $15 million from a dedicated reserve fund
- $1.6 million in MAT tax revenues
- $3.3 million from the Renew Thunder Bay Reserve Fund
- $300,000 from FedNor
Project Scope (Pre-engineered Metal Building)
- Synthetic Turf Playing Surface (310’ x 190’), 40’ height clearance, dividable into ¼ pitch (with automated curtains)
- Dressing rooms and referee change area
- Indoor walking track
- Concession, public lobby/entrance, washrooms
- Tournament hosting, spectator capacity
- Storage space, administrative space
- Mechanical/electrical
- Generator
- Pedestrian/transit connectivity, parking, landscaping
- Clean, Green and Beautiful (Diamond); energy efficient; AODA compliance; other legislative
