Today, the City of Thunder Bay officially marked the start of construction on its new multi-purpose indoor turf facility. Located next to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, the new indoor facility will address a long-standing need for year-round turf space in the community. Construction will begin this summer, with completion expected Fall 2026.
 
“This groundbreaking is a proud moment for Thunder Bay,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “This facility will bring year-round recreation opportunities close to home, strengthen our community’s health and well-being, and serve as a hub for families and athletes for years to come.”
 
The facility will feature a full-size artificial turf field, which can be divided into smaller playing surfaces. It will also include seating for 500 spectators, dressing rooms, a concession area, and multi-use community meeting rooms. Designed to be accessible and energy-efficient, the building will support year-round use for sports like soccer, football, baseball, cricket, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee.
 
“This facility represents our commitment to building a stronger, more active Thunder Bay,” said John Collin, City Manager. “By investing in modern recreational infrastructure, we’re laying the groundwork for future growth, creating spaces that support healthy living, attract new opportunities, and enhance quality of life for everyone.”
 
The project budget is $32.65 million and is funded through a combination of sources, including $14.05 million from City reserve funds, $7.03 million from the Federal Gas Tax Fund, and $4.5 million from a special dividend issued by TbayTel. Additional funding includes $3.3 million from other reserves, $500,000 from the CEDC Tourism Development Fund, and $3.3 million through a 10-year debenture. The City is also pursuing additional provincial funding streams and supporting a community-led fundraising campaign.
 
Construction will be carried out by Finn Way General Contractors, selected through a competitive bidding process. The planning and design of the facility were supported by a team of experienced project delivery partners, including Critchley Hill Architecture Inc., Hapa Collaborative, MCW, TBT Engineering Consulting Group, and Verne Reimer Architecture.
 
For more information on the project, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved
 
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Contact:        Kelvin Jankowski, Manager – Capital Facilities Construction, 807-633-6631