The site debate on a proposed events centre is down to three locations.
City council is looking for a detailed site inspection on Innova Park, land near the Thunder Bay International Airport and the downtown northcore. But some councillors were asking why three sites were necessary when preliminary reports point to the north core site, where the current Water Street bus terminal is located, as the cheapest and best option.
Coun. Brian McKinnon said the city has been talking about the proposed centre for over a year.
"We can go to twelve (locations) if you want to do that," McKinnon said. "We can get into paralysis by analysis. Nothing will get done."
Coun. Aldo Ruberto agreed. He said administration should be focusing on the downtown location. While some members of the public have cited parking issues, Ruberto said he has other considerations such as the beauty of the waterfront area and its close proximity to shops and restaurants. Sites like Innova Park would take 18 acres of land off the market to make way for a parking lot Ruberto said.
"Are we trying to get more people to drive there. Is that good for our community," said Ruberto. "Don’t waste our money on other areas Let’s get it done."
But other councillors were reluctant to reduce the amount of locations included in the detailed study.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said while he wants an events centre as much as anyone, there’s no need to rush into a location just yet. With a need for an anchor tenant to support the proposed 6,500 seat arena, Hobbs said discussion needs to take place with partners like that to make an informed decision on the location. The city needs to learn from its mistakes with rushing development.
"We’re rushing all of a sudden. There’s no urgency in this," said Hobbs. "If we haven’t learned form the waterfront (development) experience then you know what, why are we even here?"
City manager Tim Commisso said that’s exactly why a shortlist of sites is needed. With economic spin-off a major priority for the project, Commisso said although the downtown north core might look like the best location a detailed study might prove otherwise.
Development manager Mark Smith said the city was told by members of the public that they preferred other sites even though the north core is by far the most preferred. There is a debate shaping up between an urban project or a greenfield one like the airport location and both options should be explored.
Members of business improvement areas for both sides of the city made cases for both downtown cores as well.
Waterfront District BIA’s Stephanie Ash said the downtown north core location would fit with the city’s plan for an entertainment district, enhance existing infrastructure and support urban infill. And with over 2,500 public and private parking spaces available downtown, Ash said the north is better for the city.
"After business hours the parkades are empty," Ash said. ""I think we’re willing to walk five minutes to an event centre."
Banding together, the Victoria Avenue and Simpson Street BIAs said the city would be contributing to the negative image of the south ward if it didn’t consider a location there. Victoria Avenue BIA’s J.P. Fraser said it’s not about a Port Arthur versus Fort William debate but what’s best for the city. The Fort William Gardens has been Thunder Bay’s mutliplex for over 60 years and the south should continue to be looked at that way.
"What the citizens are asking is it for to continue its current status," Fraser said.
Coun. Iain Angus said there is no public land available in the south ward that’s available to the city. And while the south BIAs are disappointed to be looked over for a new events centre, members of the north bias were upset when the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board decided to move across town to Arthur Street and Brodie Street.
"Part of our job is a balancing act," said Angus.
The city also decided Monday to move ahead with a request for funding for the project through the federal government’s Public Private Partnership fund. That could fund up to $20 million of the estimated $80 million cost for the centre.
A request for proposal to move ahead with a phase two feasibility study was also approved.
