THUNDER BAY — A coalition of local sports organizations is speaking out for the first time about the recent disclosure of $500,000 in funding for the city's proposed indoor turf complex.
The money was approved by the Community Economic Development Commission, and comes from its Tourism Development Fund which is generated by the City of Thunder Bay's municipal accommodation tax.
Michael Veneziale of Soccer Northwest – spokesperson for a working group representing soccer, lacrosse, frisbee, football and cricket – said Tuesday the contribution will count toward their community fundraising goal.
"With this contribution, we are excited to be halfway to our $1 million goal," he said. "We are truly grateful to the staff of the CEDC for their guidance in helping the user groups prepare the winning proposal."
Veneziale said the coalition's grant application provided detailed evidence demonstrating how the indoor turf complex will cater to a variety of sports activities while simultaneously fostering economic growth and community well-being.
The revelation of the CEDC contribution came much sooner than the group was expecting, and only happened after Newswatch became aware of it through the minutes of a CEDC board meeting held last November.
"We were hoping to wait a few months to release this, when the official fundraising campaign had actually started and the facility had been approved," Veneziale said.
The coalition had planned to use the funding announcement as a kickstart to its official campaign.
Nonetheless, in a statement it called the CEDC support "a pivotal step" and "a crucial milestone in the journey for the user groups' efforts to complete their fundraising commitment to the City of Thunder Bay."
Veneziale added "We are fully committed to putting our skin in the game and helping make this project a reality for citizens of Thunder Bay."
It's important for the community to know, he said, that the user groups have been working diligently for the past two years, and continue to do so.
"I'm really excited for when the full campaign really comes forward."
