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Changes to fund may make event centre eligible for federal cash

THUNDER BAY – Changes to a federal infrastructure fund could mean new life for the city’s proposed event centre.
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(Photo supplied)

THUNDER BAY – Changes to a federal infrastructure fund could mean new life for the city’s proposed event centre.

In a letter sent to provincial ministers last week, federal Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi said the $14 billion New Building Canada Fund that was introduced in 2014 by the former Conservative government would be revised to include tourism, culture and recreation projects.

Thunder Bay municipal leaders had previously attempted to access the fund but were informed in February 2015 the $114 million Thunder Bay Event and Convention Centre would not qualify.

But city manager Norm Gale said this change means the door could be open.

“We know the federal government has shifted course a bit on the opportunity for funding for such facilities so we’re working very hard on the event centre,” Gale said on Thursday.

“It’s a priority for council and we’re hopeful the federal government will provide funding for that.”

The city had been seeking $36 million each from the province and federal governments while picking up the remaining $42 million.

Initial plans for the event and convention centre would have seen the 5,700-seat facility serve as the home of the Winnipeg Jets’ American Hockey League affiliate team.

A consortium was formed with groups that included True North Sports and Entertainment, the owners of the Jets, but that was dissolved due to the inability to secure funds from Ottawa after the previous federal government decided the city’s backup plan of using Gas Tax funds would not be eligible for a facility hosting a professional team.

A revised plan was publicly announced last fall that would feature the Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team as the building’s primary tenants and council directed administration to proceed onto Phase 4, which includes formally seeking funding from senior levels of government as well as private sector partnerships.

“I wouldn’t say the event and convention centre is off the table. It’s not. Council direction is clear. Administration continues to work towards an event and convention centre,” Gale said.

“We have no specific information nor direction from the federal government on eligibility and what is required. We do have a plan in place however we are looking at the plans and we want to be able to adapt as if required.”

During a visit to the city last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it’s up to municipalities to determine their infrastructure needs.

“It’s up to the local experts to tell us what they’re priorities are and how they want to grow the economy and for the federal government to be there as a partner to fund them to get things done,” Trudeau said at the time.

Coun. Joe Virdiramo, who is chair of the city’s intergovernmental affairs committee, said he is going to bring up the project at their meeting on Monday.

He said he was “cautiously optimistic” the federal government will come to the table as a partner.


 





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