THUNDER BAY – Things are getting back to the way they should be at the West Thunder Community Centre. The West Thunder Community Centre has re-opened to the public as of July 8th. City of Thunder Bay Recreation & Culture Division staff have stepped in to assist the centre’s board members in delivering programs and services that had been previously scheduled to take place over the summer.
The Centre came under fire from members over the closure of the very popular West Thunder Cafe, and after members started gathering signatures on a petition calling for the board to step down, the board resigned. Then the Centre closed down.
“The West Thunder Community Centre is generally slower during summer months,” said Michael Smith, General Manager – Community Services. “Many of the programs go on hiatus for the season. Still, several programs do continue during the summer months. City staff will ensure those programs are delivered to the public.”
The West Thunder Community Centre, located at 915 Edward St. S, was temporarily closed in June after several of its board members resigned.
“I am happy that the West Thunder Community Centre’s existing board members and City staff have come together to keep the facility open,” said Westfort Councillor Joe Virdiramo. “This centre offers excellent programs to Thunder Bay residents.”
A West Thunder Community Centre general meeting is scheduled for the near future, during which an election will take place to fill the vacant seats on the board of directors.
The effort to re-open the centre came with pressure from members, and sources tell NetNewsLedger that Mayor Hobbs and Councillor Virdiramo were instrumental in getting the centre re-opened.
There remains no word on the fate of the West Thunder Cafe. That issue will likely be decided by the new board of directors that still has to be elected.
