Public supports events centre, consultant says

City councillors in Thunder Bay heard about the public's reaction to the proposed events centre Monday night.

Council was eager to know what site consultants would recommend for the proposed events centre, but the head of the consulting team, Conrad Boychuk, wasn't revealing that information.

He said his group is still in the process of evaluating locations, and talking to the public.

"People are very, very motivated to see a new events centre," Boychuk said. "So, they're taking ownership and that, that's really what most of the dialogue is about. It's about parking and it's about site selections."

He noted there was plenty of community support for the project, and that a large number attendees at the first open house were more than 60 years of age.

Boychuk added that it's difficult to tell where public support lies for a location, as both the Innova Park and Waterfront/North Core proposed sites are garnering significant of attention.

Economic impact to be studied

Another major component that lies ahead for the group will be to study the economic impact of the centre.

Urban planner Ron Bidulka is looking at that challenge from a business perspective.

"How would an airport site, for example, be able to utilize hotels," Bidulka said. "How would a downtown site be able to utilize the hotel that's right next door to it, as well as the casino, and the park, and everything that's around it?"

Councillors were surprised when the consultants mentioned another parkade may be needed in the downtown north core. 

City administration said it'll get more information about that possibility.

A final recommendation on the event centre is due in June.

Another public open house is planned for April 11 at the DaVinci Centre.