THUNDER BAY – The discussion about a new Multiplex in Thunder Bay is heating up. The City of Thunder Bay has held four public meetings so far, the latest two on June 1st and 2nd. As well, there are Facebook groups starting up to gather support for the proposed project. The first group to show up was created last night by Johnny De Bakker. It is a group supporting putting the multiplex in the downtown Northward.
In eleven hours, the group has already garnered over three hundred members, and a lively discussion has started.
Damien Gilbert states, “If they even consider building it, make it at least 10000 people so we can actually get legit events here, and not have them skip through. No more doing things half way”.
Justin Frape said, “Anything but a core-based multiplex construction would be a folly at best, and a grave mistake at worst. Haphazard planning, without taking into consideration the most fundamental of urban planning principles, will spell disaster for this project. Put it where we have the best opportunity to leverage and enhance existing infrastructure; for the love of God, PLEEEEAAAASE don’t plunk this in the middle of Innova Park”.
Brian Cronk commented, “I think it is a good place but agree with Damien Gilbert let’s not make it too small, plan for the future and make it a REAL multi-use facility. We need to have visitors coming to our city year round for large conventions, trade shows, tournaments, etc. Being a long time business owner in town, I can see merchants wanting to locate around the Multiplex and this would work to rejuvinate the core. Once this is built though, city council will HAVE to make some tough decisions on what older facilities need to be closed as we just can’t fund everything”.
Yves Fricot stated, “It’s hard to think of a world class city that does not have a vibrant downtown entertainment district. Moving our city forward means committing to our downtown cores. [empty cores = empty cities] We certainly see that on the south side with the new courthouse and Social services building. Locating the multiplex in the downtown northside, as part of our “entertainment” district, is smart. It is a good fit with the waterfront development and a further anchor for the continued revitalization of the core. You shouldn’t hide “signature” facilities in out of the way places”.
If you want to join the discussion you can find the new group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_230618630282132