Public speaks out on multiplex

The public appears to be taking a cautious approach when it comes to a new multiplex facility proposed for Thunder Bay.

On Thursday city officials got a mostly positive response to the $60-million project at the first of two planned public consultations, though concern was raised about costs, location and what the building should contain from some of the 140 people in attendance at the open house.

“I think it certainly is timely that we’re looking at a project like this,” said Gordon Van Fleet, after watching an hour-long presentation that outlined a pair of studies commissioned by the city looking into the feasibility of a new hockey-centred facility expected to seat at least 5,600 as a replacement for the 59-year-old Fort William Gardens.

Gerry Poling, on the other hand, was concerned about whether or not the city has the capacity to fill a building that size on a regular basis, to the tune of 100 events a year, given Thunder Bay’s current track record.

“I’m just wondering. If you say (it would) have 100 events a year, how come we can’t fill our Community Auditorium for every event?” he asked.

“There’s a lot of unemployment in this city right now. That may improve, I know. I’m in favour of this, but not at this time.”

Pointing out the over-eagerness of past city councils when it came to expectations for projects like the Tournament Centre and the Thunder Bay Casino, well-known businesswoman Diane Petryna said she’s not sure the city did it’s homework in the past, and urged them to do so this time around so it knows for certain it can attract events.

“We need to learn from our mistakes, and if we’re going to make this investment, it better pay off,” she said. “If we’re going to move forward, let’s get it right. That means talking to the people seriously.”

Vern Seymour, on the other hand, said he’s dead set against the idea – at least for now.

“I don’t think we can afford it. I don’t think it’s something we need right now,” Seymour said, adding he’s only spoken to one person who is in favour of building a new rink.

“We should have a plebiscite on this issue,” he added, saying he doesn’t want another cent of taxpayer money wasted on the project, especially the planned second-stage feasibility study scheduled to begin in June. “We’re wasting $500,000 without knowing what the citizens want. Ask the city of Thunder Bay if they believe in this.”

To date the city has set aside or has commitments for $26 million dollars of a planned $40 million fund it hopes to use to leverage up to $130 million in federal and provincial money, part of the recently approved Renew Thunder Bay program designed to cover major capital projects over the next five years.

About $10 million is from a federal grant given to the city in 2008; the rest will come from a special dividend given by city-owned TBayTel, the first $15.6 million of which was handed over last month.

Community services manager Greg Alexander, speaking after the two-and-a-half hour session ended, said he was pleased with the turnout on a night when the Montreal Canadiens were taking on Pittsburgh in a second-round playoff match and that nothing he heard deterred him from moving ahead with the next study.

“There’s passion in the room,” Alexander said. “There’s a lot of interest. Nobody’s going to let this project flow (unabated). I think there were a lot of people with questions. But nobody said they didn’t (ever) want it.”

City manager Tim Commisso, who shared presenting duties with Alexander, told the audience at the Da Vinci Centre that while federal and provincial deficits mean their share might not immediately be available, it pays to have one’s homework done for when the spending taps are turned back on.

“I’m comfortable that the only way it’s going to happen is if we’re prepared or ready,” Commisso said, calling the project an improvement in the quality of life for Thunder Bay residents.

He added the next study will delve into everything from the economic impact of a multiplex and financing to a business plan, facility management and potential locations.

Ultimately, he said, the community and city council will have to determine just what the new multiplex, if approved, will be.

“As a community ... we really have to look at what are the types of events we want to provide and what are the types of events we want to happen here.”

Commisso shared an 11-facility comparison with the audience, showing buildings that range in cost from $22 million to $72 million, seating between 4,800 and 6,800 for hockey, up to 9,500 for concerts. He also said each of the 10 buildings has a anchor tenant and once again mentioned a study that showed an American Hockey League or Ontario Hockey League team would need between 4,200 and 4,500 fans a night to survive in Thunder Bay.

The city is currently served by the Lakehead University Thunderwolves, who draw about 3,000 fans a night at Fort William Gardens.

Commisso said the city isn’t in the business of picking hockey leagues, just managing the proposed facility.

Lakehead athletic director Tom Warden was on hand and voiced his support for the multiplex, adding later they’d cross the OHL/AHL bridge if and when a team materializes.

Until then, he’s operating under the assumption that the Wolves can be the anchor tenant and the university a major part of the multiplex.

“I look forward to potentially the university being a partner in this. I think it’s something that’s time has come,” Warden said.

On Thursday the public was also asked to indicate, through coloured push pins, their preferred location of a new multiplex. Most were placed in the downtown north core, though by no means was it the only favoured location.

“We could certainly put it by the Community Auditorium and the Port Arthur Stadium and develop that site,” said council regular Jon Powers.

The public will have another opportunity to voice their opinion to city officials next Thursday.