The group is requesting a feasibility report for a new $250,000 to $300,000 track on city property.
President Maurice Poulin believes it is the best solution to ongoing problems at their current site.
“We’re looking at city property, so it is not a study that I can undertake myself,”Poulin said Monday night. “I have to do this with the co-operation of the City of Thunder Bay and the staff within the park’s division because we are looking at your property and what is available.”
Poulin said upwards of 85 per cent of their revenue goes toward maintaining the track and repairing damage.
Poulin also told council that at their are issues of violence at their current location. Users report that while races are going on a group of teens will sometimes ride through the track, kicking and punching the eight- and nine-year-old racers. Even the volunteers have been assaulted.
"They kick them, punch them, then they ride off," he said. "I’ve been punched. I’ve been kicked. I’ve been knocked down… it happens to many of us."
Although names and addresses of the alleged attackers and witnesses have been given to police, Poulin said he hasn’t heard of any arrests or charges.
"I’ve reported everything but nothing happens."
City community services manager Greg Alexander said 47 incidences, from assault to vandalism, have been reported in the area over the last 14 months and police are aware of the issues and are working on solutions. But it would be difficult to have a police presence at the track all of the time.
"Their hands are a little bit tied because it’s an open park," Alexander said.
Coun. Mark Bentz said he wants to hear from police on the issue.
"What I’m hearing tonight is totally unacceptable."
-- With files from CKPR radio
