Multiplex musings

A multiplex may be a good idea for the Thunder Bay, but the city’s mayoral candidates disagree on the timing.

The $60-million proposal, currently being studied by city administration, would use funds from Renew Thunder Bay to cover the city's share of the infrastructure project, with the remainder likely coming from the provincial and federal governments.

First-time candidate Keith Hobbs said more discussion needs to be held before the plan should go ahead. The pessimistic side of the former Police Association president says it may already be too late.

"I think that’s already a done deal and I don’t think it should be a done deal," said Hobbs, adding he attended both open houses the city held earlier this year to gather public input on the multiplex and where it ranks on people’s list of priorities.

Hobbs, speaking at last week’s open mayoral forum at the Lakehead Labour Centre, said the city needs to take it one step further.

"I think that should go to a plebiscite," he said, adding that the electorate should vote on any big-ticket items. "It’s going to be a $100-million expense by the time we get there. It’s $100 million right now."

Hobbs said now might not be the right time.

"We have to get our debt and taxes under control. Once we do that, then we have to look at that. Like I said, niceties versus necessities. I’m all in favour of it. It’s positive development for this community. I’d like to see conventions and big conferences come here and the city draw money. But I have some ideas on how we build that. I don’t want it to be a drain on the taxpayers," Hobbs said.

Peterson, seeking a third term at the helm of the city, countered Hobbs was getting a little ahead of himself, that the project is just being considered and nothing has been signed, sealed or delivered.

"It’s not a done deal," she said. "We’re doing our due diligence. If it’s feasible, it very well could go to a plebiscite."

Peterson said it’s a project with exciting potential, one that could have a profound impact on the city, and one whose time may have come as Fort William Gardens enters its golden years.

"There are opportunities to experience a wide variety of events and provide significant positive benefits in sports tourism, the arts community and local hospitality and retain businesses," she said, noting the Renew Thunder Bay fun currently has $23 million set aside, much of which would cover the city’s share of the project.

However, ex-Canadian forces candidate Colin Burridge said the city can’t afford to be doing too many large projects at once.

Still, he’s entirely for the project, but only if it’s not just a hockey rink.

"Fort William Gardens will have to be replaced. As a multiplex, yes, I’m for it, but can we afford it and when can we afford it," he said.

"What I would like to see is maybe build it in stages and focus on a convention centre first, because then we get people coming to Thunder Bay, seeing it, and maybe businesses will invest."
Coun. Frank Pullia, making a third run at the mayor’s chair, said it’s a project the city should have tackled years ago.

"Thunder Bay, being at the centre f the country and the continent, is missing many sports, cultural and convention opportunities," he said. "The (city’s) share of the capital funds for such a facility have already been put aside into the Renew Thunder Bay capital fund and once a study has been completed and a businesss plan approved, matching funds from the provincial and federal levels of government can be secured.

Pullia said if the citizens demand it, he’s not opposed to putting it to a plebiscite.

Jeff Irwin wants to know how the city plans to pay for the project, and said a healthy economic plan must in place before he will agree to anything, adding it should go to the public for approval before anything is signed.

And he'd like to see at least some of the burden taken off the public dime, if the private sector benefits.

"If a private investment group wants to bring a semi-pro hockey team here, then they better be prepared to bring their cheque book and pony up half; no free ride on taxpayers' dollars under my watch," Irwin said, throwing his support behind the Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team.

Brian Kwasny did not respond to the question when asked via email.