THUNDER BAY — With a bid roughly $6.7 million under the city's cap for the project, Finnway General Contractor has secured the contract to build a multi-use indoor turf facility.
“Originally the price cap for the project was a maximum of $42.7 million, Finnway priced at approximately $36 million with HST included so that will bring the price down to minus stages,” said Kelvin Jankowski, manager of capital facility construction, in an interview on Tuesday.
The city has expressed a preference for engaging local corporations in the construction of the facility, reinforcing its commitment to support the regional economy.
Finnway was one of two local companies in the running to build the facility. Back in January, Finnway and the Tom Jones Corporation as well as Ottawa-based McDonald Brothers Construction Inc. were shortlisted and evaluated independently based off technical quality and cost for the project.
“I think certainly in general, anytime that you can keep money in the city of Thunder Bay, to be spent in the city of Thunder Bay is advantageous to us,” said Jankowski.
In February, several user groups informed council of their intentions to initiate a community-led fundraising campaign, to help offset the cost of the indoor turf facility upon councils’ approval of tender.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Tourism Thunder Bay have allocated $500,000 in funding support to the project.
“I think in terms of this next step for us, it means that we're moving into the construction and we're looking at actual shovels in the ground, so that's always a positive move for us,” he said.
Construction is set to begin this summer and wrap up by the fall of 2026.
According to the city, the indoor turf facility could benefit over 6,000 users who participate in a variety od turf sports such as soccer, football and baseball.
“For our sports group community this facility represents more than just a place to play,” said Michael Veneziale, President of Soccer Northwest. “It’s a space where athletes, families, and community members can connect year-round.”
