Not interested

Thunder Bay’s District Social Services Administration Board will not take over the vacated Victoriaville Mall space left empty by a call centre closure.

StarTek’s Wednesday announcement it was closing its operation in the city, at the expense of 192 jobs, sparked rumours that DSSAB might consider moving into the 38,000 sq. ft. space, rather than build their own facility adjacent to the Brodie Street Library.

DSSAB chairman Iain Angus said the change in plans was suggested, but quickly dismissed.
There are plenty of reasons, Angus said.

"When we made the decision to go with a new building, we did so on the basis that a DSSAB-owned building was the best long-term financial option for us," Angus said via email.
"We also recognized that previous our predecessor, Social Services, was located in facilities that no other department would accept. Case in point was the Keskus location when another tenant moved out. It was nearly identical to the Star Tek space, a barn with no windows."

Angus said that would not be conducive to either staff or clients.

He added the 40,000 sq. ft. project is well on its way and he expects tenders to be issued within a month.