The debate has raged for years in Thunder Bay on whether to build a new events centre. But now the wheels are in motion toward making it happen.
Popularly known as the Multiplex, it's considered a high priority, legacy project in the city's five-year $130-million urban renewal plan that includes a major waterfront redevelopment now underway.
“It's about our image, identity, and what kind of city do we want to be 20 to 30 years from now?” said City of Thunder Bay Manager Tim Commisso.
The city has committed $25 million toward the Multiplex project that could range between $80 million and $90 million for a 6,500-seat arena with about 50,000-square-feet of additional convention and trade show space.
Three potential sites are being shortlisted.
They include: the Innova Business Park, a largely-vacant inner city commercial park; some greenfield space at Thunder Bay International Airport; and a Water Street location in the city's north end business district.
Detailed site evaluations are now underway.
There's been a groundswell of community support that's evolved into an intense debate over where the venue should be built.
In a sports-oriented city like Thunder Bay, Commisso isn't bothered or surprised about it.
“The beauty of it is that people are talking about it. They're passionate about it.”
City officials aren't favouring any particular site at this stage, but the Water Street spot looks to be the frontrunner.
The city-owned block is occupied by a bus terminal, a parking lot and a small two-storey office building. It's a stone's throw from the Marina Park festival grounds and Prince Arthur's Landing, a multi-phase lakefront revitalization project that will contain condos and a hotel.
“Clearly the downtown site we see as a great opportunity, if we can do it without having to acquire more parking,” said Commisso.
Two years ago, Deloitte & Touche prepared a background study for the city, providing a sampling of other similar-sized communities with new arenas, including Sault Ste. Marie's Essar Centre, which opened in 2006.
Commisso said 8 out of 11 those cities had downtown venues.
A key consideration in selecting a location will be the potential to leverage other nearby development or redevelopment investment.
Tourism Thunder Bay Manager Paul Pepe favours the Water Street location.
“You have to look at it holistically for the ancillary businesses around it that would benefit like the restaurants and bars.”
Parking shouldn't be an issue on the waterfront, said Pepe. A July Blues fest attracted more than 6,000 spectators to Marina Park without any problems.
The city already enjoys a very robust convention business that often fills hotels to capacity. Pepe said a Multiplex will heighten Thunder Bay's national profile and boost the accommodations and hospitality sector.
“We've seen a growing interest in Thunder Bay by convention planners and sports tourism folks who want to have their event here.”
Better air links with the arrival of Porter Airlines is making it easier to siphon off corporate events from Toronto and Ottawa.
A new building would be a catalyst to attract a wider range of sporting, entertainment and corporate events that led to more hotel stays and visitor spending.
“We know we miss out on bids and concerts because we don't have the right facilities here,” said Pepe. “A new building will allow us to do more and bid more.”
The Multiplex would replace the outdated Fort William Gardens, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. The south side building has cramped fixed seating capacity at 3,300 and limited event flexibility.
“It's served the city well, but in terms of bidding on bigger, national events like Skate Canada and Hockey Canada, we need to have minimum standards for lighting, seating and the ability of TV crews to plug in,” said Pepe.
For inspiration, city officials need only drive down Highway 61 where Duluth, Minn. opened its new 6,600-seat AMSOIL arena late last year. Attached to its 200,000-square-foot waterfront convention centre, the arena's main tenant is the University of Minnesota-Duluth hockey team.
Thunder Bay has been speculated as a prospective market for an Ontario Hockey League or American Hockey League team if a new arena was in place.
Though it's generally acknowledged that an anchor tenant is a necessity, Commisso stressed a Multiplex will be not built as a drawing card to steal a team from another city.
“This is about creating a true events centre that's going to be around for the next 50 years with multi-faceted events.
“It's a facility that provides the community with a huge amenity for everyone for Remembrance Day ceremonies, hockey or concerts. It's what cities our size have that create a source of pride and identity.”
With a growing medical and educational research sectors, Commisso said such a venue is an opportunity to showcase Thunder Bay's divesifying economy.
The city has filed a grant application with the P3 Canada Fund.
“We think we fit their criteria, it's just a question of do we get into the queue,” he said.
The federal infrastructure program hasn't taken a policy stand on whether it will subsidize arenas for professional sports franchises. If not, Commisso said the Multiplex could be the new home for the Lakehead University hockey team.
Other scenarios for project funding will be explored to leverage with municipal dollars.
A feasibility study will likely start this fall to put together the business case, a full-blown community economic assessment, a breakdown of capital costs, a financing strategy and possible public-private management models.
“People are excited,” said Pepe of the public's reaction. “It's been talked about in the community for 10 to 15 years and now it's finally coming to fruiton.”
