Sport North Bay has reached out North Bay City Council candidates for some feedback on issues related to sport in the city of North Bay.
The sports organization asked the candidates to answer some questions - nine in total - and allowed them to add comments/concerns on the topic, with sports facilities as a major part of the poll.
The candidates were asked to rank various sports concerns from 1 to 5, with 1 being low importance and 5 being high importance.
See related: Sport North Bay polls city council candidates - Part 1
See related: Sport North Bay polls city council candidates - Part 2
See related: Sport North Bay Poll part 3 - Shogren, King and Cadotte give their sports priorities
See related: Sport North Bay Poll - Part 4
In this version we get responses from incumbents Tanya Vrebosch and Mac Bain along with Cindy Ciancio, and David Thompson.
Vrebosch had a number of 5 out of 5 rankings, including the access to youth programs, biking lanes, marina dock, reducing rental costs for fields and arenas for youth sports, a combined dual pad arena and multi purpose facility, and the value of sport and wellness to the community.
She gave a dual pad arena a 3 ranking stating she would prefer an indoor turf facility.
Vrebosch gave a 2 ranking to financing a program coordinator for youth sports.
Vrebosch also did not give a ranking to change rooms at Omischl noting that an all-purpose facility down at that end of the city near Omischl could help solve the problem.
She notes that she hopes the new council can access federal and provincial funding to help pay for King’s Landing and arena projects.
“As much as I gave or want to give everything a 5, it all comes down to money and other competing priorities, Cassellholme (which we are 100% committed to and are waiting on the Province so we can move forward), “ stated Vrebosch.
“The police station which is sinking, library that is in dire need of repair (we may have found a solution with a private partner for this one), King’s Landing (something has to happen here, it cannot remain status quo) and the West Ferris Community Centre. “
David Thompson, who is the current chair of the Near North District School Board, ranked a combined dual pad and multi purpose facility a 5 plus.
“Moving forward the new council must deal with a balanced approach to providing facilities that are truly multigenerational,” noted Thompson.
“We have an aging population that have different uses for our facilities so the new council must look at unique strategies.
“Sport is not just for our youth but also for those who are young at heart. If North Bay is to strive to be a healthy community there are many other areas of investment that must be considered.
“The pathways must be a priority that encompasses the whole city and any new facilities must remain in our neighbourhoods,” Thompson concluded.
Meantime, incumbent Mac Bain, who has been on council for 15 years, handed out a pair of 5 rankings for access to youth sport programs and the value of sport and wellness to North Bay.
He gave 4 rankings for a dual pad arena, a combined dual pad arena and multi purpose facility and biking lanes.
“We have talk to the community and understand the funding models for a any new build,” noted Bain about the Omischl change room situation.
He gave 3 rankings for financing a program coordinator for youth sport, and reducing rental costs for fields and arenas for youth sports.
Bain gave a two ranking for the marina dock and a 1 ranking for change rooms at Omischl.
“We should wait to see where the arena is built first,” noted Bain.
“I am supporting that the next council have town hall meetings on important issues. The type of arena, or a change in policy directions will be discussed in that forum. Public input will allow help the staff and council, in it’s deliberation,” Bain stated.
Candidate Cindy Ciancio gave 5 rankings to access to your sport programs, dual pad arena, and financing a program coordinator for youth sports.
Ciancio gave 4 rankings to biking lanes, change rooms at Omischl, marina dock, reducing rental costs for fields and arenas for youth sports, and value of sport and wellness to North Bay.
She gave a 3 ranking for a combined dual pad arena and multi purpose facility.
“I do not have much of a background in Sports and Recreation,” she admitted.
“I do however, realize the value of sports especially with our youth. I have raised 3 kids, 1 have 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
“Having worked at LIPI for 23 years, we administered funds for people to access sports for their children,” she said.
“I also see the importance of sports with our adults as well. It goes to the whole of the Community and the health of its people. It is also a great economic drive for our City.”
Candidate Marcus Tignanelli ranked 5 for all nine of the categories.
"I have been involved in pretty much every sport program at some point in North Bay. From sprint kayaking to skiing, hockey and soccer," said Tignanelli.
"I am the most passionate candidate. Sport & Rec is a very serious priority to me. "
I cannot stress enough how focused I am on aiding sport & rec in North Bay. In the future depending on the circumstances of the election I would love the opportunity to join Sport North Bay," Tignanelli continued.
The municipal election takes place on October 22nd.
