Hi to all in the group, I spoke at the Concerned Taxpayers meeting at the Danvinci, talking about my experience touring through facilities like our proposed events centre and discussing some of the issues I found surrounding these types of facilities (high cost of putting on shows, high ticket prices etc.). But here I am joining this group anyway. Why? 1) I no longer want to be involved with concerned taxpayers. I knew that 5 minutes after I spoke. I get where they are coming from, with many on fixed incomes who will pay for but never go to the multiplex, but I cant associate with a group where individuals are rude or refuse to honestly discuss the opposing point of view. 2) I feel the multiplex COULD be a huge driver for our local economy. If done correctly, the economic spinoff could be great and it might help Thunder Bay become the tourist destination we all know it could be. So, here I am. I am always open to discussion and I want the city to move forward positively. All this being said, Im stuck on 1 issue: Why is the estimated cost $106m? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_indoor_arenas_in_Canada Take a gander at the other projects completed around Canada, or at the proposed L.U. facility from a few years ago. I understand an increase in the cost as some of these estimates are 5-10 years past, but paying double or triple for a facility just a few years later does not make sense to me. Im hoping someone on here can give me insight. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosaic_Place Mosaic Place in Moose jaw might be the best comparison, being from just 3 years ago and including a variety of facilities including curling an arena and events space, all for $61 million. I feel like something doesnt pass the smell test. I think that everyone in favour of the project needs to be asking this question: Why is our proposed facility almost double to price of other similar facilities built recently? At that price, shouldnt we have a curling facility, a pool, a rec centre, and more? If were going to do this thing, lets get the best facility we can for the right price rather than just accept that were going to pay double what other cities pay. Thanks for having a group like this that is open and respectful, unlike some of the members (NOT ALL!) I experienced with concerned taxpayers. Welcome your thoughts and discussion and thanks for being so passionate about our city. Cheers, Andrew Bryan
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 16:52:33 +0000