FAQs

The City is asking for feedback to better understand how arenas are used today and gather input on future needs, priorities, and opportunities from user groups, stakeholders, and the community. This feedback will be summarized and shared with City Council to inform their decision-making, as they review the draft Arena Facility Renewal Strategy.

What are the important upcoming dates?
The project is currently in the engagement phase, with stakeholder interviews and community input taking place over the coming weeks. A public survey is available from June 4 through June 19 online at thunderbay.ca/getinvolved, or in hard copy at City Hall and branches of the Thunder Bay Public Library. This will be followed by analysis and development of draft recommendations.

Feedback will directly inform a long-term strategy to guide decisions on facility reinvestment, modernization, potential consolidation, and overall service delivery. A summary of public feedback will be shared with City Council to inform their decision-making as they review the strategy.

The arena system is at a critical point, with most facilities requiring significant investment in the next 5–10 years. While demand remains strong, the key challenge is improving how the system is organized, funded, and maintained—not increasing supply.

Public input and expert analysis will be used to develop and evaluate options for the arena network, leading to a final strategy that outlines priorities and next steps for implementation. A draft Arena Facility Renewal Strategy will be presented to Council in early 2027.