THUNDER BAY — Additional funding has been committed for the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre's new facility planned for Chapples Park.
The Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Tourism Thunder Bay announced a $205,000 contribution Monday through the CEDC Tourism Development Fund.
The fund is supported by revenue generated by the City of Thunder Bay's four per cent Municipal Accommodation Tax.
Previously-announced contributions include $1.5 million from the city, $1 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, $500,000 from FedNor, and $200,000 from Tennis Canada.
Fundraising has also been conducted within the community.
City council gave a green light to the project last month.
The facility will include nine outdoor courts, six indoor courts, and seating for over 300 spectators.
Organizers have said that since only 10 per cent of public tennis courts in Canada are covered for year-round play, the facility will set Thunder Bay up as a tennis hub.
"The Thunder Bay CEDC is very proud to support this facility," said Jamie Taylor, the commission's CEO. "Our strategic action plan focuses on supporting year-round visitor experiences and sports tourism. The facility will offer access for racquet sports such as tennis and pickleball throughout the year."
The Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre and the Ontario Tennis Association expect players from across the province to travel to Thunder Bay for high-level sanctioned events.
NOTE: This story was updated on July 24 at 9 a.m. after the CEDC provided new data concerning the number of courts the new facility will have
