**SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED**

Demand for Indoor Turf in Thunder Bay

Since 2016, the City of Thunder Bay has been systematically examining the possibility of constructing an indoor turf facility to address the community’s need for indoor turf sports capacity during the long winter months that we experience. Participation in turf sports have trended upwards over the last decade in North America, with Thunder Bay being no exception. Past end user sport organization surveys concluded that a proposed indoor turf facility could benefit over 6,000 users who participate in a variety of turf sports – soccer, football, Ultimate frisbee, field lacrosse, cricket, baseball in the city. Peak demand for access to the proposed indoor turf facility will be evenings/weekends October to April.

Alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan – “Maamawe – Growing Together”

The realization of a proposed multi-use indoor turf facility is aligned with the “Safety and Well-being” strategic pillar to keep our community healthy, safe and strong through creating equitable access to recreation and sport. The investment in the proposed facility will also support Council’s strategic priority of growing our city.

OVERVIEW

Soccer Northwest Ontario (SNO) developed a new indoor turf project concept in consultation with others which they presented to the newly elected City Council in December 2022. Council directed Administration to undertake preliminary site studies and develop a more refined project plan in consultation with SNO. In November 2023, Council directed Administration to complete public consultation and report back on estimated capital and operating costs according to two (2) different building standards: i) the Ontario Building Code (‘OBC Compliant’); and, ii) the City of Thunder Bay’s Facility Design Standards Policy (‘CTB Facility Design Standard’).