THUNDER BAY – This city’s longest-serving MPP says the province shouldn’t be expected to cough up more money than the federal government to help fund a proposed $114.7-million Thunder Bay event centre.
Michael Gravelle on Thursday said he was caught off guard by Wednesday’s announcement that the city will attempt to use $23 million in gas-tax allocation money to pay for the federal contribution, while asking Ontario to foot a total of $36 million.
Gravelle, who said he remains strongly supportive of the initiative, said he’s always believed the contributions from upper levels of government should be equal.
“My understanding as this process has gone forward is the expectation would be going forward is that whatever was being requested or expected from the federal government would be the amount that would be requested of the provincial government,” Gravelle said.
“So I will say that my first reaction to seeing the new plan coming forward in terms of the federal government support is the provincial level of support is obviously significantly higher than is being expected of the federal government.”
Speaking as the local representative and not as a member of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s cabinet, the Minister of Northern Development and Mines said that’s not how the project has been sold.
“I will be having discussions certainly with the city about that. Because from my perspective, in order for us to make a very strong case at Queen’s Park – which again, this is a tough year to be asking for it regardless – I don’t think it’s realistic to be expecting support that is higher than what is expected of the federal government.”
A day earlier the city unveiled an ambitious funding plan that would see the city cover 40 per cent of the cost of the event centre construction, through a mix of mostly public, but some private, funding. The provincial and federal government share under the plan covered about 60 per cent of the cost.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said he met with Gravelle briefly on Thursday morning prior to the start of an anti-racism breakfast.
Hobbs said he understands Gravelle’s concerns, but believes there is room for negotiation.
“We’re going to sit down with Michael and have further discussions for sure,” the mayor said.
“I really can’t comment on it yet. He said there’s (also) some reservations because of the AHL team.”
The Winnipeg Jets ownership group is involved in a partnership with True North Live, who have joined forces with the city which could result in the NHL club moving its American Hockey League franchise to Thunder Bay. But the Jets recently announced they were moving their farm team to Winnipeg, with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff suggesting it was a long-term move.
“(Jets owner) Mark Chipman has assured me if we build it, they’re probably coming,” Hobbs said.
Asked where the additional $13 million might come from, Hobbs said it’s a concern if the province doesn’t come through with the total amount.
“But I don’t know whether we’re there yet. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Hobbs said.
