Thunder Bay event centre supporters lament dropped plan
Proposed event centre not eligible for federal infrastructure funding, mayor learned
After a roller-coaster ride that saw Thunder Bay's proposal for an event centre dropped on Monday, some supporters say they feel the project can still go ahead.
Mayor Keith Hobbs announced the decision to scrap the plan on Monday, after receiving a letter from the federal government advising him the city was ineligible for federal funding for the project, including the use of the Federal Gas Tax.
Jason Susin, chair of the Citizens for a Waterfront Event Centre group, said there are ways to fund the event centre, even without the federal funding.
"There's gotta be a way around that. We've gotta find a way to make it work," he said. "Even if it's delayed by a year or two years, we just gotta keep plugging away at it. It's something that's needed for this community."
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The city originally sought $23 million from the federal government and $36 million from the provincial counterpart.
However, the mayor was told that the project was not eligible for federal funding because of the involvement of professional sports, which the federal government said should be a private sector responsibility.
Justin Frape, a small business owner, has also been a strong supporter of the centre.
He said it is a shame the city will not be able to use the centre to attract new visitors and events.
"A lot of the attractions and events and conferences that I will want to attend, I'll have to leave town. And, I'll be bringing my hotel money, my restaurant money, my recreation money to other communities that do have the amenities that I need."
Frape added that the event centre, if built, would become a "focal point" for the north core, creating a natural gathering spot in the city. And in the long term, the centre would contribute to a better quality of life.