Tbaytel Multiplex selected as name for indoor turf facility

Thunder Bay’s City Council has approved a name for the Multi-Use Indoor Turf Facility.

The new structure is going to be called the Tbaytel Multiplex for the foreseeable future.

In exchange for the naming rights, Tbaytel will contribute $50,000 per year towards the facility for the duration of the 10-year agreement.

“This name was proposed by Tbaytel. They do have the privilege of naming the asset as a benefit of what they are purchasing through the naming rights process,” explained Callie Hemsworth, a supervisor with the Thunder Bay community services department.

“This name really symbolizes the multiplex being, multiple uses, multiple sports, coming together under one roof, together as a community.”

All councillors present voted in favour of the new name.

At-Large Councillors Shelby Ch’ng and Kasey Etreni were absent during the vote.

The City’s Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy encourages the city to seek out businesses to become sponsors of municipal programs, facilities, events, and other assets.

Naming rights offer a way for businesses to support the community while enhancing the city’s ability to deliver programs and services by providing an alternative revenue-generating option.

In August, city council approved an exception to the Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy to allow administration to negotiate this naming rights agreement without formally advertising the opportunity.

Planning Services has circulated the proposed name to internal departments and external agencies for comment in accordance with the Civic Naming of Streets, Buildings, Structures and Recreational Facilities Policy, and the name was approved.

Administration intends to move forward with branding and marketing for the recreational hub.