The estimated $30-million indoor turf facility is on tonight’s city council agenda.
Northwood Councillor Shelby Ch’ng says many of the details are up in the air, but she wants something that will benefit the whole community.
The $30-million figure is the cost for a permanent metal structure, which Ch’ng feels is the better choice over a cheaper inflatable dome.
Council will also decide whether to spend $3.6 million on some design and engineering work.
Ch’ng adds they are looking at a site at Chapples Park, but may have to choose another site if the land isn’t suitable.
The search for an indoor turf facility was spurred on following the collapse of the Sportsdome on the CLE Grounds in a November 2016 snowstorm.
It threw the soccer community into chaos since both men’s and women’s clubs were forced to cancel their seasons because there was no place to play.
In 2017, local soccer clubs were given a glimmer of hope with news Soccer Northwest was trying to get a temporary facility set up at a vacant sawmill on Maureen Street but that fell through because of a legal roadblock.
Fast forward to early 2018, when city council started the process by voting to build such a complex, which was kicked into high gear after administration began working behind the scenes to make a reality at Chapples Park.
Thunder Bay’s mayor Bill Mauro has made building the turf facility a top priority throwing his full support behind it.
The city says “proposed uses for the facility include, but are not limited to, soccer, walking, ultimate, football, baseball, drone competitions, cricket, lacrosse, trade shows, large community events/cultural gatherings, and a potential emergency evacuation centre.”
The proposed facility includes the following components:
-One full-size FIFA indoor turf field (101.5 m x 68.5 m) that could be sub-divided into 4 mini pitches (48.25 m x 32.25 m)
-Two lane walking/running track and agility lanes.
-Nine change rooms
-Retractable seating for 900
-Food/beverage amenities, lounge and balcony overlooking outdoor turf facilities on upper level with capacity to accommodate an additional 600
Washrooms
-Administrative office space
-Storage
