The Letter Council Really Won't Like!

Why do we need a plebiscite on the location and building of a new multiplex/Event Center? 

“The proposal involves building a $50-60 million facility with about 5500 seats.”  CJ Dec 15 2009

The present cost is $106 million plus! 

“The city’s share of the estimated $60 million project is $18 million”

Editor note: CJ May 5 2010

The city’s share is presently $35 million plus! 

Why is building this facility such an urgency?

" As an arena, it could go for another 20 to 30 years,but the condition of FW Gardens isn’t the issue”  Community Services manager Greg Alexander. TBT Newswatch  May 5 2010

"I think that’s already a done deal and I don’t think it should be a done deal," said Hobbs
"I think that should go to a plebiscite," he said, adding that the electorate should vote on any big-ticket items. "It’s going to be a $100-million expense by the time we get there. It’s $100 million right now."

TBT Newswatch Sept 23 2010  

“Clearly the downtown site we see as a great opportunity, if we can do it without having to acquire more parking,” said Commisso.

northernontariobusiness.com/Regional-News August 19 2011 

“A Parkade. Surprise!” “One estimate puts a parkade price tag with 500 spaces at $16 million.” CJ March 14 2012

Shouldn’t this have eliminated this location as cost prohibitive? 

“Hobbs said he’s been hearing loud and clear that people want to see the centre at Innova Park.” "The public has to make this decision, not the council, not the mayor," Hobbs said. "We’re going to take the advice from public on this one." Current River Coun. Andrew Foulds agreed

TBT Newswatch June 2 2011  

“Hobbs thinks the fix is in among consultants and city administrators to arrange that in order to assure the waterfront district gets the multiplex”

CJ Editorial April 27 2012  

Really Keith? Most people think this as well! 

"It has to be affordable and it has to be sustainable. If we don't receive funding from the Feds and the province, this is going to be a no-go. "I know I'm hearing loud and clear that we need federal and provincial money to make it go forward."  TBT Newswatch Dec 13 2011

The cost has doubled since first proposed, projected operating costs are nearly double that of FW Gardens! Is that really affordable and sustainable? 

“I have stated before I was elected Mayor that the People of Thunder Bay need to decide this issue and I haven't nor will I change my view on this.”

Email April 29 2012

Well Keith, if you really are a man of your word, lets have a plebiscite! You did say “the electorate should vote on any big-ticket items”? 

It is quite clear why we need to have a plebiscite on both, proceeding with this facility, and the location of this facility. Bigger and more difficult question’s to answer honestly are, Why wouldn’t you have one, and why is council continuing to stonewall the public on this?