THUNDER BAY – The issue of the Conservatory will come up for discussion over the coming weeks as a part of the City’s budget. There has been a Facebook group form, and residents are expressing their concerns.
Mayor Keith Hobbs states, “I have heard a few concerns this weekend about the Conservatory and understand that a group has been formed on Facebook. The facts are this; The City of Thunder Bay subsidizes this facility to the tune of $400,000 a year and visits to the Conservatory are so infrequent that one has to wonder why we even operate that building. The structure itself has reached the end of it’s useful life. We have to ask ourselves : Is this a core service that we have to deliver to our citizens? Can we use the lost dollars for other priorities. It will cost us a couple of million to replace the building which by the way is becoming a Health and Safety concern.
“One woman sent me an e-mail and said that she was married at the Conservatory. I realize and appreciate the fact that people have fond memories of this landmark so like the golf courses I have to say Use Them or Lose Them,” added the Mayor.
Councillor at Large, Aldo Ruberto says, “We will be discussing all city facilities and doing an evaluation of their status. The city is reviewing all departments to look for efficiencies. Its budget time so we have to get all the facts before any decisions are made on anything. As of today we do not have all the information required”.
Ruberto adds, “There will be public input opportunities if these people on Facebook wish to give there views. One will be on Feb 7th at 6:30PM and the other will be on Feb 22nd at 6:30PM. I would love to see them express their views, all they have to do is call the City Clerk’s office then show up and present their point of view, that’s democracy in action”.
Councillor Paul Pugh states, “I believe the conservatory should be repaired or rebuilt, following discussion as which would be more appropriate”.
City Council and Administration welcome your input on the issues that concern residents and organizations in Thunder Bay. Residents and businesses can arrange to have a letter included in an agenda or to make a presentation or deputation to a committee by writing to the City Clerk.
City of Thunder Bay; Office of the City Clerk
City Hall, 3rd floor, 500 Donald Street E
P.O. Box 800
Thunder Bay ON P7C 5K4
Tel: (807) 625-2230
Fax: (807) 623-5468