The City is considering a proposed indoor turf facility at Chapples Park. The business concept plan for an indoor turf facility was developed by Soccer Northwest Ontario (SNO), the local sport governing body for soccer in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, through community engagement and in partnership with City. 

A public information and feedback session on the proposed facility was held on April 25, 2018, at the Italian Centennial Hall. This session included a Presentation on the Proposed Indoor Turf Facility. The session was intended for members of the general public who may not be affiliated with potential user groups but would like to learn more about the project. 

A Report on the Public Information/Feedback for the Proposed Chapples Park Indoor Turf Facility was brought forward to City Council in June 2018. 

At the June 25, 2018 Committee of the Whole, given uncertainty regarding the status of funding from other levels of government to proceed with the proposed Chapples Park Indoor Turf Facility, City Council directed Administration to proceed with Requests for Expressions of Interest from potential non-profit and private sector partners to address the interim need for indoor turf in the city based on a validation of the community need.  An update to City Council on the outcome of the Requests for Expressions of Interest process is expected in January 2019. 

About the proposed facility

Proposed uses for the facility include, but are not limited to, soccer, walking, ultimate, football, baseball, drone competitions, cricket, lacrosse, trade shows, large community events/cultural gatherings, and a potential emergency evacuation centre.

The proposed facility includes the following components:

  • One full-size FIFA indoor turf field (101.5 m x 68.5 m; 111 yds. x 75 yds.) that could be sub-divided into 4 mini pitches (48.25 m x 32.25 m; 52.7 yds. x 35.2 yds.)
  • Two lane walking/running track (>318 -377 m) Agility lanes (4 lanes; 100 m)
  • Nine change rooms
  • Retractable seating for 900
  • Food/beverage amenities, lounge and balcony overlooking outdoor turf facilities on upper level with capacity to accommodate an additional 600
  • Washrooms
  • Administrative office space
  • Storage

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