An Ipsos Reid survey shows significant support in Thunder Bay for a proposed new arena and convention hall.
The survey shows 61 per cent of respondents support the proposal and another 13 per cent support the development of an event centre in some form.
Six-in-ten residents (64 per cent) indicate a one per cent potential property tax increase to cover construction and operating costs is acceptable (58 per cent find a 1.5 per cent increase acceptable).
The random telephone survey of 1,000 citizens over the age of 18 was conducted during the month of May.
“The sample size of 1,000 respondents for Thunder Bay is significant and will achieve results considered accurate to within +/- 3 percentage points 19 times out of 20,” research manager Lauren Hilderley in a June 9 news release.
Top concerns for the event centre include parking, location, cost uncertainty, property tax increases, traffic congestion and possible lack of senior government funding.
The event centre would be a replacement for aging Fort William Gardens.
A separate report presented to Thunder Bay city council recommended that the building continue to operate under the existing model until a decision is made on the new building.
