The president of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition says the CLE would be hit hard financially if the operators of the Sports Dome decided not to repair and reopen the facility.
The inflatable structure collapsed last month during a period of heavy snow and strong wind.
The CLE's Danny Mosa said he understands that insurance could cover repairs, but that owners Dave and Lori Robertson are still consulting with their insurance company.
Mosa is anxious to hear from them about their plans are for the facility.
"We don't have any word as to what they're gonna do, whether they're going to put the structure back up or not."
He added that he has also been told that if the dome is repaired or replaced, the job might not be done until next spring.
Mosa told tbnewswatch.com that the CLE will send a letter to the dome operators in the coming week asking for an update on their plans. The dome is located on property leased by the CLE, and provides an important source of revenue.
"There is a clause in our contract with them...that they can get out of it," he said. "They have a certain amount of time to notify us of what they intend to do."
Mosa pointed out that the rent is still being paid even though the dome is currently out of operation. If it were to shut down permanently, he said, "We'd lose a considerable amount of money."
The dome has been utilized by Thunder Bay soccer organizations and houses a mixed martial arts training gym. Mosa noted that it also hosts events such as the annual Home and Garden Show and Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. If the dome is closed, "These are two functions that are going to be voided...and it's a big loss...A lot of people use that facility, and if it's gone, it makes it pretty tough."
Tbnewswatch.com attempted to contact the Robertsons for this story but has not yet been able to reach them.
