Thunder Bay buys properties for event centre parking

CBC News has learned the city of Thunder Bay has acquired four properties in the north core to be used as parking for an event centre.

The purchases were made, even though the project is still at the proposal stage.

The city bought the properties this summer, anticipating future needs. Two houses one on Camelot Street and the other on Tupper Street will soon be torn down to make way for a parking lot.

The citys manager of realty services said there's a plan to create one large parking lot in that area, should the event centre proceed. The lot would also support parking for the waterfront and downtown area.

"The city's assembled four properties, which include these two houses, Joel DePeuter said.

They're all adjoining one another. After the demolition, we'll be left with a gravel surface."

The two houses, currently vacant, are expected to be demolished by spring. City documents show a $2 million budget has been set aside for event centre parking.