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OPINION: Event centre has divided our city

Thunder Bay is changing, what isn’t changing are high taxes and people’s perception of an unsafe city. We have housing issues, infrastructure issues and seniors who may soon be unable to afford to live in their own homes. .

Thunder Bay is changing, what isn’t changing are high taxes and people’s perception of an unsafe city.

We have housing issues, infrastructure issues and seniors who may soon be unable to afford to live in their own homes. . I spoke to one senior citizen about how the city charged her $150 to shut off the water to her house so repairs could be made. She stated she was unsure where money will come from.

The event centre has divided our city and made the upcoming election a one-issue election. As I go door-to-door in Westfort I hear over and over no to the event centre. No to the $1.5 million in taxes per year we will have to pay for the centre.

I am not opposed to the event centre, but this is not the time with all the other issues before us. Also, I believe it is in the wrong place. Move it to the Innova Park area and problems with parking and traffic congestion are solved. Now we don’t have to move the hydro or bus stations, resulting in a 20 million dollar savings.

As for a convention centre I personally believe Thunder Bay is not a good destination for conventions, and it will result in the city going into business against other local organizations. By removing this item we save another 20 million on the initial building and half a million on maintaining it every year thereafter. If the event centre is a go at the present location we should look at a possible small business tax for downtown north businesses to help offset the cost to the taxpayers.

It is time for a change on council. Please look at each candidate carefully. They will be making your decisions for the next four years, long after the event center has been resolved.





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