City needs to think of future when choosing multiplex location: economist

The city needs to be clearer on its long-term vision for a multi-purpose event centre before it chooses a location, a local economist says.

Lakehead University economics professor Livio Di Matteo said the city obviously needs a new arena as the Fort William Gardens turned 60 in March, but where out of the five potential locations the centre would go depends on what the facility will be used for.

If it will be used for conventions as well as sports and other entertainment, Di Matteo said a North side location, like the proposed Water Street bus terminal site, would be ideal.
"In the evenings the delegates disperse from the convention and just flood into the local restaurants and local entertainment facilities to do things and so if that’s what you’re trying to do if that’s what you want (the North side) a logical location."

Proposed locations, such as Innova Business Park or near the Thunder Bay Airport, also have their advantages. DiMatteo said those sites are attractive because development could start from the ground up and wouldn’t be constrained by any existing infrastructure.

But the lack of entertainment, such as bars and restaurants, would be a big drawback.

"Not everybody that comes to a convention is going to want to drive around looking for things to do," he said.

And because Innova is zoned as an industrial park, it would be a challenge to reinvent the area.

"The city has to decide what they want Innova Park for. Do they want Innova Park to drive development or do they want some special development to drive Innova Park. They have to basically think that one through more carefully.”

If the centre is built, with estimates of up to $100 million right now, Di Matteo said the city needs to design the building so it can become an iconic part of Thunder Bay’s landscape.

"So when people see the picture they know its Thunder Bay. I don’t really think if you just build another box you’ll be making that much of a contribution to the city’s landscape," Di Matteo said.

Everyone interviewed by tbnewswatch.com Friday outside of a big box retail store said they want to see a new facility built but had different opinions on the location. Anthony Klaric said all of the potential sites would be a good choice. He just wants to see a new facility in the city.

"I just hope they decide and pick a place," Klaric said.

Janelle Goodmurphy, with a young child in tow, said she would like to see a more central location so it’s easy to find and everyone in the city can access it. Goodmurphy said she’s looking forward to more artists coming to the area if the centre does go up.

"Anything to keep kids occupied," Goodmurphy said. "And something to do in the city."
The city should tear down the Fort William Gardens and purchase surrounding businesses to put up the new facility, Trevor Guarasci said. But any location would suit Guarasci as long as parking problems, which he believes have plagued the Gardens, are addressed.

"Anywhere is fine as long as there’s parking," said Guarasci. "It’d be nice to see a nice arena with lots of parking."