THUNDER BAY – My name is Jason L. Susin, I am a co-founder of a local organization, www.opportunitythunderbay.ca. While I do not speak for all members of Opportunity Thunder Bay, the group recently conducted a poll on the location of the proposed new Multipurpose Event Center (Multiplex) and the majority of votes indicate the downtown north core area at the Water Street location. I am also a life-long citizen; I am well travelled, and I have always hoped Thunder Bay would build such an Events Centre in our north core as it can and will add to our prosperity.
First, it is of the utmost importance we consider the impression we make upon our visitors, the tourist, those who will attend the conventions from abroad and attend the big concerts we plan. The Waterfront is one of Thunder Bay’s greatest assets for awe inspiring spectacular beauty. Plain and simple, the Water Street location is very exciting. Innova would be a boring parking lot.
Secondly, did we not designate the Waterfront District as the Arts & Entertainment district? Seriously, we all know Thunder Bay’s downtown Waterfront District offers unique locally owned shops, great food and restaurants, not to mention a number of outstanding art galleries. We must stick to the vision of our Waterfront District. Already, we have Magnus Theatre, the Casino, Festival grounds at Prince Arthur’s Landing along with the necessary hotels. If you travelled to Thunder Bay from Geraldton or Grand Marais, would you be as excited standing in a parking lot in Innova?
Lastly, a project this Big will give Thunder Bay that much desired “Big City” feel as Northwestern Ontario’s Regional Centre. It will continue moving forward with the revitalization of the downtown and will help boost economic activity to locally owned businesses by increasing tourist traffic and that of the local shopper/diner. As far as Innova is concerned, it’s time has just not yet come, but it will. Innova is waiting for the big retailer, and or the medical sector, but as of now it is a cold and isolated place.
I strongly believe the Water Street location is best for our local economy, tourist statement and Thunder Bay’s growth. The Waterfront District has street-level parking, the Heart of the Harbour Parkade, and two municipal parking lots and a skywalk into the Marina where more parking will be available all within a short and reasonable walking distance of this proposed site.
Jason L. Susin
NetNewsledger.com has invited opinions from a range of people in our community to share their ideas on where the Multiplex should be located. The views expressed may, or may not reflect those of NetNewsledger.com