Performance Kia
Badanai-October
Marlin Travel
United Way
Brand New You
Aboriginal Initiatives
Bragg Custom Cabinetry
News
Click here to see more
Subscribe
Community Calendar
Click here for full listings.
Poll
Do you believe Toronto Mayor Rob Ford can rescue his reputation from allegations of crack cocaine use?



Total Votes: 261
View Results Past Polls

Market Research

Do you own your own home?
Who's Modo
User Submitted Photo Gallery
Submit Your Own Photos
Email
2012-10-11 at 16:20

News delights BIA

By Jeff Labine, tbnewswatch.com
View larger pictures
Understand exactly what repairs are being doneMINUTE MUFFLER for fair prices & a clear explanation of the work being performed. 677 Memorial Avenue.Click here for details

THUNDER BAY -- News the north core location is the preferred site for a proposed multiplex has many Port Arthur business owners smiling.

The city released the long anticipated report showing consultants recommended the 5,700-seat facility should be placed somewhere in Port Arthur instead of Innova Park.

The Port Arthur site was said to be the preferred location because of the potential economic impact.

The news delighted Rooster’s Bistro owner Jim Commuzzi.

“We’ve been working on this as a (Waterfront) BIA for the last couple of years,” Commuzzi said.

“We’re elated. All along we very much felt that this was the location in order to drive the synergy of the businesses in the area that are taxpaying right now. We though putting it in an open field and hope people would build out there would be not the best way in handling taxpaying dollars.”

Downtown Port Arthur has started to change for the better from the waterfront development to the announcement of Delta Hotels and even the improvements to St. Paul Street. He said the multiplex would be the jewel in the crown.

One of the main complaints against putting the event centre downtown Port Arthur was the issue of parking.

Commuzzi said events such as the Blue Fest and Rib Fest both prove that the downtown can accommodate large crowds.

“I drove around and saw all the parking that was still available,” he said. “There won’t be any problem of access or exit because we have so many different ways of getting in and out.”

SHIFT President Nathan Lawrence said his group was in favour of a location that would provide the best economic benefit to businesses and was glad to hear that the north core location was believed to be that spot.

“At this point in time it’s nice to see the report done and that there is some firm, definite answers in terms of where that best location is,” Lawrence said.

“We have to make sure as a community that we’re leveraging our tax dollars as best as possible both now and in the future and making sure that facility is located to ensure we’re getting the best return.”

But not everyone was happy with the news.

Fred Gilbert and many others against the report’s recommendations voiced their disappoint via a Facebook page titled Citizens for an Innova Park Multiplex.

Gilbert states there was no question that the report was going to come back and recommend downtown Port Arthur after the announcement of the hotel.

“You get the results you want when you inform the consultants that’s where you want it to be in the end,” Gilbert said.

“I think the consultants did the best they could under the circumstances. Anyone who has any sympathy for the long term development of this city I think would recognize the north core development is not going to hinge on the multiplex. Council and administration had made a commitment to the hotel that there would be a conference centre close at hand.”

He said the reason why the city didn’t put the project up as a plebiscite was because most residents wanted it at Innova Park.

Although disappointed, he added he hoped to see the project move forward because no matter where it ends up Thunder Bay needs a new facility.
 

Click here to submit a letter to the editor.
iCar

Click here to report a typo or error

Tbnewswatch.com(49)

Comments

We've improved our comment system.
sky high says:
The reason most wanted it at Innova Park is because they thought the downtown Port Arthur area already had enough good news. They ignore the fact that downtown PA is the best spot to put the multiplex and adhere to that old Port Arthur vs Fort William rivalry. Very sad that the older people of this city just won't let that go. Come on Port Arthur, let's celebrate our victory!!!
10/11/2012 4:54:15 PM
elvis2010 says:
Funny how you say "that old Port Arthur vs Fort William rivalry. Very sad that the older people of this city just won't let that go." Then the next line you don't say lets celebrate Thunder Bay instead you say "Come on Port Arthur, let's celebrate our victory!!!" To use your own words yes indeed you are very sad. The location of the new multiplex should be put to a plebiscite so the people of Thunder Bay can vote on if they want it in P.A. or at Innova. We the people of this city should decide, not the ones responsible for so much waste already or who have made back door deals to get a hotel developer in the waterfront.
10/11/2012 9:03:04 PM
sky high says:
elvis2010, use your head. I was imitating the very people I was ridiculing...do you get it now? Do you need everything spelled out for you? Ok, so you want to slow everything down and have a plebiscite which will only cost the taxpayers more and have the exact same result-a northcore multiplex. What's the matter, don't you trust the elected officials? They're doing a great job and pulling us out of the dark ages, which people like you want us to remain in. There's nothing at Innova except a big swamp, while in the northcore we have a ready-made business district which will greatly expand starting NOW. Thunder Bay is full of whiners that slow everything down. You're part of that pack---good thing you're outnumbered
10/11/2012 11:02:14 PM
elvis2010 says:
OK, come clean. What business do you own in the north core! And how typical of the tactics used by the north core bia. Someone makes a comment that actually makes sense and you try to go after them using scare tactics! The cost of a plebiscite is nothing compared to what it will cost to build a multiplex that after the novelty of a new building has worn off will not be used because of poor planing once again in this city!
10/12/2012 7:44:54 PM
jimmyboy says:
Lets see if HOBBS sticks to his dribble that he was spouting off about during his campaign...that being put it to the residents in the form of a plebiscite...he has flip-flopped right out of the gate so too speak...oh and what about all the talk about what ever happened to the addiction centre they were all talking about...oh and what about additional affordable housing for the ever growing population of the dis-advantaged.???

$106 million would go a long way to address the social ills which are a plague in Thunder Bay...now Hobbs and company have their focus on a brand new prize...one that will cost the tax base on top of the ones we already heavily subsidize...#1 being the Community Auditorium...and yet they want to shut down Municipal Golf course...and potentially save $$$ so we all can donate towards the 1.4 million annually worth of red ink for the Multiplex...what a bunch of geniuses...talk about the blind leading the blind!
10/11/2012 5:08:36 PM
TBDR says:
You know if you say HOBBS too many times your face will get stuck with that permanent scowl you must get when you are fantasizing about him.

I love how you ignore the fact that it was "Peterson and company" that started the feasibility and funding process, or that Hobbs also said in his campaign that he was in favour of a new multiplex... or that if a politician goes along with public opinion, that's not flip flopping, that's LISTENING.
10/12/2012 1:23:46 PM
Tbaylifer says:
I hope city council makes the right choice and goes with Innova Park. If they haven't sold us out with a Marina deal as stated in the article.
10/11/2012 5:08:44 PM
patti says:
SOUR GRAPES GILBERT !!!!!

BTW ~ This statement is absolutely 100% inaccurate !!!

"He said the reason why the city didn’t put the project up as a plebiscite was because most residents wanted it at Innova Park."
10/11/2012 5:19:24 PM
truthseeker says:
agree patti, the statement is inaccurate by gilbert.

The reason the city doesn't want a plebiscite contrary to our liar of a mayor, who keeps on b.s.ing the public,is the majority of people 70 percent would vote not to go ahead with the multiplex.

Look at the embarrassing numbers which attended the public meeetings. The municipal leadership and the agenda driven bias media in this town fear a plebiscite.

They know the not to build side would win easily and in a rout if a plebiscite were to be held.
10/12/2012 10:13:49 AM
CM Punk says:
“I drove around and saw all the parking that was still available,” he said. “There won’t be any problem of access or exit because we have so many different ways of getting in and out.”

What streets did you drive on?
10/11/2012 5:52:24 PM
pearlman says:
Really Fred?

Do you have any numbers to back up your claims?

Ya, didn't think so.
10/11/2012 6:00:34 PM
advocate says:
Fred Gilbert would have stuck the arena in Orilla with a final price of $400 million.
10/11/2012 6:11:42 PM
DazeofThunder says:
Being someone who is not from Thunder Bay and have no vested interest either PA or FW, I see the downtown arena as the best venue for the city. I believe it will make a lot of money for the downtown core if THUNDER BAY really wants it. That means the whole city and not just one side. I have seen some good changes to the downtown core already, like the streets being redone and some new business frontage. I hope some old hotels around that site makeover their interiors because they smell really badly like mothballs and the furniture was really, really old last I checked. If our tourism department can somehow swing a deal with some nearby international airports, we might attract some more visitors. If the new, Delta, is it?...fills up, they might need a decent place to stay downtown. We want them to come back, oui?
10/11/2012 6:23:43 PM
fastball says:
Oh, God - let the whining begin!!
Let's haul out all the usual complaints - it's too far to walk, it's not centrally located, it's going to cost us money, we don't need it..blah, blah blah. We've only done this umpteen times before - the Auditorium, the hospital, the marina, the never-ending NIMBY whine-fest that is the wind farm, and every other new thing that this town has proposed in the last 25 years.
It's only a matter of time before some citizens' group or alderman is going to hold up the whole works because they want a plebiscite vote.
I can just hear the gears grinding already.
10/11/2012 6:51:43 PM
Chaos says:
I agree with Fred Gilbert entirely. Put it to a vote at the next election. To spend over 100 million with ongoing operational deficit should be voted on a) if it goes ahead; and b) where it goes.

Pandering to self interests is the root of Thunder Bay's historic economic and social underperformance. We will never get ahead if self interest trumps public interest. Let the peole have a say. It is the right thing to do.
10/11/2012 7:36:22 PM
reno says:
commuzzi saw lots of parking during ribfest ? was he riding bicycle ? i drove around for awhile then went home & got my motorcycle so i could park inside the barricade . there isn't any parking at night either . try getting a parking spot to go eat downtown . you think you're going to find parking for 5700 people .
10/11/2012 8:09:57 PM
homelessteen says:
wouldn't it be nice if the city raised the money for this from the people who support it. I ask again how many of the brain waves who want to do this live in city limits and pay city property tax.
10/11/2012 8:21:34 PM
dynamiter says:
First off - I would hope that this project becomes an election issue at all 3 levels. Municipally it needs to be a plebicite. Provincially and federally I personally will not vote for a candidate that will use my taxpayer dollars for this type of project. Why??? We have so many more worthwhile and more important projects. Like what? Do you remember the recent flood. How about putting money into making sure that everybody's house cannot have sewage back up into it? How about making sure that we fasttrack the dual laning of the transCanada Highway? How about making sure that we have the state of the art sewage treatment plant so the water going back into the lake is as clean as it comes into our homes? How about ensuring that our colleges and universities have the dollars to become energy efficient and self sufficient so that the tuition costs to the students can be lowered? These and other types of infrastructure expenditures are the only ones that should be made when times are tough.
10/11/2012 8:40:49 PM
Whodo says:
Are you going to be happy when all the street parking is taken up by people attending the Mega Plex and your customer can not find anywhere within a miles to park. On a early summer evening there is now nowhere to park in that area. I think this is going to back fire on you downtown folks. The average ticket price to this new Arena multiplex and the additional tax burden is not going to leave many of us with extra dollars to shop. Yes there will be some window shopping as we trudge(especially in winter) miles cursing because we had to park so far away. We will do that once and then we'll decide not to do it again.
10/11/2012 9:13:06 PM
keiths31 says:
So when taxes go up in the PA downtown, will these small businesses be able to survive?
10/11/2012 9:43:33 PM
Tom Sanderson says:
To the editor:
Drop the Port Arthur crap. It's Thunder Bay and there is a North core and a South core. The proposed site is the North core.
10/11/2012 9:44:30 PM
chezhank says:
If councillors had any ovaries they would put the location and need for a multiplex to plebicite!
But then this might get people out to vote in the next election....and they wouldn't want that.
10/11/2012 9:48:02 PM
collie says:
HUGE QUESTION HERE!!!
Where are 2000 vehicles going to PARK????
might even be more but I am thinking 2 to 4 per vehicle but then also employees and event personell NEED at least a 2000 car parking and there is NO PLACE in Downtown PA NEVERMIND FW for that!!! WAKE up and smell the coffee!!!
NEED A LARGE AREA PERIOD and no Innova park is bad choice too. but hey PAGH or LPH or existing CLE grounds or IM sure there are more but I still like CLE grounds cuz it is too small for a descent CLE anymore and already lots of PARKING options there AND is pretty much Centrally located to appease both PA and FW and would benefit existing businesses!!!
10/11/2012 10:27:32 PM
panzerIV says:
With the reduced numbers of seating there wont be 2,000 vehicles at any site. Maximum it would be 1,800 going to Innova and 1,600 going to Downtown.

The advantage that downtown has is that its already serviced by transit lines and is well known to many who ride transit. Its expected that 10% of all patrons could ride transit to and from the events. This number could be 125 at the smallest events and up to 650 at the biggest.

Remember that the biggest events only happen a couple times a year. 8-10 events annually which fill the arena (unless we start a streak of filling up the arena) so massive amounts of parking isn't needed. The consultants are recommending a 200 car parking lot beside the building to alleviate parking concerns for people.

The city owns 1,700 parking spots within a 10 minute walk of the arena and 220 more from private owners could also be available.

Do we want to pave over 1 million square feet for a parking lot and building in Innova or 300,000 for a arena.
10/11/2012 11:38:03 PM
fastball says:
Listen, I work in the north core. I walk EVERY day through the business section. There are numerous parking lots in that 3 block square area between Park Street to Camelot to Algoma that the city could negotiate with the owner for parking after 6pm. Hell, tear down that giant, practically empty Keskus building that takes up an entire block!! There are lots of old empty houses and businesses that could be bought up and the property paved over for a parking lot. There might CURRENTLY be shortage of parking...doesn't mean there always has to be a shortage.
10/12/2012 1:28:33 PM
tbayguy009 says:
Listen. I am on my computer. I guess I don't know nuffin.

It's not rocket science to understand that to 'tear down that giant, practically empty Keskus' (putting teleperformance out of business) AND 'lots of old empty houses and businesses' would cost EVEN MORE MONEY! But thanks for pointing that out. Even though the average smuck already knew this. Brewers retail, bus station AND hydro dist center would already need to relocated under this plan.

You make it sound like that area is already a slum hole. Which it is.

The survivors in the area just want to increase their property values at the taxpayers expense. Municiple, provincial or federal taxpayers money. To them that does not matter. Just as long as it is given to their plan.

As for the bang for the taxpayers buck, the contrators are just drooling over this idea. They can clearly smell the DOUBLE contracts. When something needs to be torn down, they get a chance to replace those buildings somewhere else too. Double the fun.
10/13/2012 3:12:08 PM
eastender says:
Collie, I agree with you 100%. Why were these other locations not even considered? Coliseum location would be an ideal spot. Its central, and does not favour either core, and has much more parking spots than PA location. Also it would benefit buisinesses in that area. Sounds like a no brainer to me. There are some very influential people pushing for the North Core location, obviously with vested interests in that area. Any logical rational person can see that it should go to Innova, or Intercity are.
10/16/2012 1:02:08 PM
jetpowered says:
Ok...the main complaints always go back to parking, having to walk....have any of you ever been to other cities? these types of facilities are always downtown. Parking is always a pain..but they are put there for a reason...to help support local business. Public transit..parking structures...there are alot of options.
10/12/2012 1:54:00 AM
Tbaylifer says:
If they want butts in the seats then Innova is the place, if the goal is to appease the Northcore BIA and Cumberland bar flies then the Waterfront is the place to put it. The consultants had their say, city administration had their say now put the question to us the taxpayer.
10/12/2012 6:06:18 AM
youngintbay says:
This Port Arthur and Fort william crap has to stop. It`s Thunder Bay and has been for the last 42 years. Its like the arguement of whos land it is. That was how many years ago. And now to the Multiplex. All you people complain about parking. How many people actually show up to the hockey games? A few games I`ve been to in the past years the stand werent even close to being filled. And if so why not car pool. HaHa Your more then likely to meet up with a friend their. And with concerts hopefully who ever is in charge of getting bands here they get so good names. Not thes old farts that have no money left and need to be touring the country. Yeah its great to get someone from back in the day but come on lets get some of these up in comers.
10/12/2012 7:23:49 AM
maggie says:
I have never seen so much whinning ever time something new is proposed for this city. If you looks back through the years and all the industries that wanted to come to our city and with all the crap they have to go through eventually went elsewhere no wonder this city gets no help from anywhere or anyone, and remains in the past. The two cores are starting to look like ghosts towns with boarded up buildings and drunks hanging around the streets and parks rather than people out shopping,enjoying a afternoon coffee in one of the many places that were enjoyable to go to.
We have people comming out to the splash pad,skating rink, a walk in the park ect. If we want to be put on the map get on with it and stop all the whinning every time something new is proposed. Stop bickering about where this centre should go, it is going to benefit all of THUNDER BAY,not the north or south core.We should have just left the city as THE LAKEHEAD and built from there.
10/12/2012 7:49:32 AM
Shallz says:
Parking????? Where???? Took me 20 mins to find a spot within 4 blocks the other night (A Wednesday at 9pm) to have a beer and a snack at the Foundry.
10/12/2012 8:03:20 AM
jb says:
20 minutes is a huge exaggeration and also makes it sound like you are one of those people that will continuously drive around the same block until a spot opens up in front of the door. The parkade wasn't full on Wed night so you could have parked there which is only a block away and walked to the Foundry in less than 10 minutes.

Almost everyone who wants the event centre at Innova uses the same argument that there is no parking downtown yet I've never had an issue going to the bars/restaurants, rib fest, blues fest, concerts in the parks or Canada day. It's all a matter of perspective I guess because anything within a couple blocks of where I'm going seems like a great parking spot to me but to most of you, walking more than 200 feet seems unbearable and worthy of constant complaining.
10/12/2012 10:15:51 AM
TBDR says:
This is total BS. I was downtown on Wednesday, and there were vacant parking spots on Red River Road by the library, on Court by Seargent and Son, in the parkade, and on Cumberland by the Prince Arthur. Those are all within 2 blocks of the Foundry.
10/12/2012 1:29:25 PM
stonecutter says:
seriously, the parkade next door was full?
10/15/2012 10:41:30 AM
Karl_Hungus says:
We need a decent sports bar in that area now.
10/12/2012 8:57:02 AM
Fluffy says:
I thought there was no money to build this thing?
10/12/2012 9:51:27 AM
fastball says:
Well, if parking is going to be the Big Giant Issue that a lot of posters have indicated on this forum - here's a suggestion for the city.
We have MULTIPLE empty or abandoned houses or businesses in the north-side core. Get the city to buy out some of these places, demolish them and pave 'em over to create some pay-parking lots that can ease the parking crunch during events. If the north core gets busy, it would be nice to have extra spots in the area.
Has no one here ever gone to a game/concert in Winnipeg or Toronto? You find a spot in a lot someplace, pay for the evening and walk to the facility. There's no football field-sized lot conveniently next to the MTS Centre. But there's lots of parking in many small lots around there, and parking on the street if you're lucky.
But we HATE walking here, it seems. We've got people who would rather drive around in circles in the Walmart lot for 10 minutes to find a spot close to the door.
10/12/2012 10:16:51 AM
stuck? says:
Funny cause I'm the absolute opposite. Park at the back of the walmart parking lot furthest from the store.

Chose to reply to you since it was at the bottom, but yourself and a few others have definitely pinpointed a good point.

Why do you NEED to park right up front or as close as possible to your destination? Have we lost our ability to do things for ourselves like walk, think, act? Technology and this whole "convenience" thing has brainwashed us so bad that it's a "pain in the butt" to walk a few extra steps.

I witness this everyday watching people park in private business lots directly in front of stairs or points of entry because they dont want to walk another 20-30 feet from an empty parking spot.

I had argued about the lack of parking in a previous article, and to a point I still do because of the lack of lighting, visibility and that "safe" feeling; though in principle we SHOULD get off of our lazy butts and feckin walk. A whole 5 or 10 minutes will NOT break you.
10/12/2012 10:51:57 AM
fastball says:
Listen, I work in the north core - and have for 30 years. I walk EVERY day through the business section. There are numerous parking lots in that 3 block square area between Park Street to Camelot to Algoma that the city could negotiate with the owner for parking after 6pm. Hell, tear down that giant, practically empty Keskus building that takes up an entire block!! There are lots of old empty houses and businesses that could be bought up and the property paved over for a parking lot. There might CURRENTLY be shortage of parking...doesn't mean there always has to be a shortage.
10/12/2012 1:31:42 PM
common_sense1 says:
I think a lot of people who post on here never get out of Thunder Bay. I was recently in calgary and they have acres and acres of parking directly around their centre, they all do.

If I wont walk 3 -5 blocks in -30C, I expect most other wont either.
10/12/2012 12:12:47 PM
bttnk says:
I will. If walking a few blocks in the cold is your main issue might I suggest packing up your things and moving to Thailand or somewhere where the climate is always warm? Thunder Bay has some cold weather during parts of the year, but we shouldn't allow that to dictate common sense or economic sustainability. That type of attitude along with the "do nothing" attitude that has long plagued Thunder Bay is now a part of history and the future is unfolding in front of our eyes. Do yourself a favour and open yours.
10/12/2012 1:09:08 PM
Jon Powers says:
"THUNDER BAY -- News the north core location is the preferred site for a proposed multiplex has many Port Arthur business owners smiling"

Its so very nice to see the business community supporting this; Let's face it they didn't have to attract one new customer. (Business Well-Fare-Gravey-Train)

Their City Government did it for them!

$1.4Miilion+ a year budget?

Together the Waterfront and this second mistake will be costing $2.2Million+ a year.

Does anyone out there know where this money is going to come from?

See You All On Monday Night!


Great Story!
tbnewswatch.com
10/12/2012 1:35:41 PM
Tom Sanderson says:
The whole issue is with the people of this so called city. To damn lazy to walk for 5 or 10 mins to get somewhere. That't one of the reasons this hole has a ton of obese people. Mind you I know there are some people with medical conditions that won't allow them to control weight, but I'm talking about the ones who spend way to much time on the couch filling their faces with junk. Quit your sissy ass whining about the parking and get of your fat ass and get in shape so you can walk for 5 mins without thinking you are going to die. Geez, some of you make me sick.
10/12/2012 2:01:36 PM
patti says:
Tom Sanderson ~ that was an awesome post!!!

10/12/2012 3:52:56 PM
collie says:
UM this comment only works for those within walking distance bub!!! People that come from outside city where are they gonna park???? and Families with small children on a rainy day??? Never been a question about exercise Question is about parking for 5000 people during an event on a normal day when people are at work!!! Really event staff for conventions, concerts ect.. gonna want them to walk and what about elderly and handicapped???
10/15/2012 6:38:22 PM
dbenedic says:
At times in life, one seeks out professionals for their opinions like marriage, divorce, homes etc. Yes and the city did its due diligence and hired professional consultants. Mayor Keith Hobbs knows that the city is "City Council" and not just him as many have reflected above. I believe now that the consultants recommendations have been made public we have to respect an excellent research project completed. City council has now stood behind the consultant's report and now it is certainly time we the citizens of Thunder Bay stand behind our city council's decision as well.

On another point, running a city is a balance of keeping things growing while at the same time functional. Addressing the multiplex looks after "sports", "business", "capital investment" and "tourisim" to help our city grow and prosper. The right decision was made, and now watch the exciting new developments ahead for Thunder Bay; a GREAT TIME TO BE A CITIZEN OF THUNDER BAY!!!!!!!!!!!
10/12/2012 5:48:36 PM
collie says:
IF want to bring back downtown PA back to prosperity GET rid of Casino and put back KESKUS MALL with an owner who isnt gonna charge and arm and a leg for space and let it fall to #@$%!! I hate going downtown now on either side of town PA or FW compared to 20 years ago.
10/12/2012 10:49:01 PM
The Badger Mountain Hermit says:
Can I see that initial $250,000 Economic Feasibility Study, please? Quit hiding it. Maybe it doesn't exist? Then, I ask, who got a 1/4 mil for doing NOTHING?
10/15/2012 9:09:22 AM
Comments for this story are semi-moderated. Read our comment guideline.

Add a new comment.
You must log in to add comments.
Create a new account
Forgot password?
Log In
 
 
© 2013 Dougall Media.