If a proposed events centre became a reality, how would the Fort William Gardens be used?
It's a question the city is asking when a future use assessment study begins later this year. A request for proposals, which closes Sept.26, is looking for a consultant to study the gardens, hold at least three open houses and discuss its future with stakeholders.
"There's certainly a lot of sports groups, lots of private users of this facility," city facilities, fleet and transit manager Michael Smith said.
"Those types of things need to be taken into consideration."
Along with public consultation, discussions with organizations like the Fort William Curling Club and area BIAs would need to be done as well Smith said.
The study is a section of part three of the feasibility study for the proposed events centre. Smith said looking at the Gardens' future is due diligence. The consultants would also look at other uses for the land.
"Certainly anything is possible at this point in time," Smith said.
The cost of the study won't be known until proposals come in. The report would likely be done before the end of 2013 and head to city council by February or March of next year.
