City Council forges ahead with looking further into protective netting at indoor satellite arenas across Thunder Bay.
The motion brought forward by Mayor Bill Mauro passed unanimously Monday, which will now task staff with bringing back options, financial implications, and potential funding sources for the venture.
Mauro, ahead of the meeting, told Acadia News that the focus is on the rinks that offer seating along the sides and does not include the Fort William Gardens, which features the high glass around the sides.
Some councillors asked city staff why the measure wasn’t included in the 2022 Operating and Capital Budget.
Kelly Robertson, the General Manager of Community Services, offered up a few reasons, “We didn’t receive information about the motion until after our 2022 Operating Budget had been drafted and submitted for approval. The other reason would have to be competing priorities at this stage.”
The satellite arenas include Neebing, Delaney, Port Arthur, Grandview and Current River.
In a memo to council on January 15, 2020 the estimated cost to install the netting at the above rinks was a combined $52,500.
Additionally, the cost may increase based on height of facility roof and need for full retraction for activities such as concerts, as well as possible requirements for engineering review.
Staff are set to report back by the end of January 2022.
