The Police Headquarter request will be discussed by Thunder Bay’s five At-Large councillors.

Mark Bentz, Rebecca Johnson, Trevor Giertuga, Aldo Ruberto and Peng You will field your questions and concerns on the request starting at 7:00 p.m.

Watch: At Large Virtual Town Hall Meeting

The Police Services Board is looking for a new facility that could cost $56 million, which includes the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rebate.

“We can’t fix up what we have because it’s not big enough, I understand that,” Johnson said. “But at the same point in time, just to build a brand new building for more than $50 million, I have some real questions about that.”

The councillor feels the money should be put more towards programs and prevention.

“Is (a new building) really addressing the needs that we have in community?” Johnson asked. “By that I mean, where is the money that goes into the prevention of which crimes are more prevalent in our community.”

If approved, the funds for a new police headquarters would come out of the 2022 budget.

The board also voted in favour of building security fencing around the existing Balmoral Street location.

That motion was brought forward by Mayor Bill Mauro back in April, who noted city council could decline the idea, given a new headquarters is still possible.

There’s no cost estimate for fencing

Multi-Use Indoor Turf Facility

The agenda for Thursday’s meeting also includes the multi-use indoor turf facility.

Thunder Bay might be looking for private investors to join the discussion and are scheduled to establish individual parameters by the June 14 city council meeting.

The idea was originally brought forward by At Large councillor Mark Bentz, who mentioned he’s heard from interested parties inside and outside of Thunder Bay, including a group that wants to build a site off Golf Links Road.

That said it’s unclear whether the city will commit fully to the new avenue to construct the facility.

Federal Funding Ask

Council agreed Monday to apply to the new Green & Inclusive Community Buildings program.

Officials are hoping for $21.3 million for the multi-use indoor turf facility, and around $2 million each for work on the Fort William Gardens, Centennial Botanical Conservatory, and Canada Games Complex.