Thunder Bay event centre: mayor to revive project at council meeting
If the city partners with an amateur hockey team, it could get some funding from the feds, Hobbs says
Thunder Bay's mayor will put the proposed event centre back on council's agenda at its meeting tonight.
Plans for the centre were postponed earlier this year when the federal government would not agree to fund the arena and convention centre.
Mayor Keith Hobbs's motion asks administration to negotiate a deal with Lakehead University to make the Thunderwolves hockey team the anchor tenant at the arena.
Originally, the city wanted to build the facility to accommodate an AHL team, but that plan came to a halt at the end of March, when Hobbs learned the federal government would not chip in.
Now, Hobbs says a letter he received in early July states if the city partners with an amateur hockey team, it could get some funding.
Hobbs said that means the arena will likely be about 500 seats smaller than the original proposal.
"The size of the facility will probably change — not drastically — but the size of it has to be proportionate to the needs of the tenant."
If passed, administration would also have to find a contractor, finalize architectural drawings, and find an operator for the facility.
All of the agreements that were in place are set to expire.
"I think it just makes sense if we're going to move along we need that federal piece," Hobbs continued.
"We haven't heard a 'no' from the feds. As a matter of fact, the letters that we've received from Minister Lebel, are quite encouraging."
Hobbs pointed out the letter from Lebel, the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, talks "about what a great economic project it is."
"He realizes its good for the region. And, he said that we continue to invest in world-class infrastructure that supports job creation and economic growth and high quality of life for Canadians in every community."