Saskatchewan Business Can't Think Their way into the Boom Box

Would You Hire This Man?

OK its official the whole Regina new stadium idea is dead. Oh sorry, The new Multi Purpose Entertainment Centre is dead. Or as Mayor Pat in his new persona as a caring municipal leader might say "The opportunity for North Central Regina urban renewal is dead."

No matter how you cut it, no new stadium.

Now those of you who read this blog probably already know that I won't be shedding a tear as the final nail is driven into the stadium coffin. I always wondered why since neither Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg have domed stadiums, Regina thought that we were entitled to one. Those cities are much bigger and just as cold yet, they seem to cope.

Blame the feds. Blame the Feds. They didn't come through with the needed $100 million needed to jump start the idea. People are so pissed that my MP Tom Lukiwski will probably lose his seat next election over his lack of support for local projects. Boy, now there is a silver lining if I ever saw one.

What I do find interesting through all this is the fact that with no Federal funding and no NHL team promise Quebec City is going ahead with their new big $400 million arena. In that city the private sector ponyed up.

Here in Saskatchewan with the arguably the most financially successful team in the Canadian Football League and a fan base that can be depended on win or lose, there was no sign of that private sector cash.

In my opinion that can mean one of two things;

1. Either there is no economic boom here in Saskatchewan despite what Premier Brad Wall would like people here  to think. 
2. Or, The private sector in province is so stuck in the "have not" mentality, they can't think their way through to the "boom" box.

What do you think Brad.

Ok, we've got a few bucks. Lets spend it fast before the lean years come back.

Well after being coy about building a new stadium to replace Taylor/Mosaic whatever it is Field, the politicians have now confirmed that there is a very good chance that they will go forward with the idea of building a new domed facility at a cost of about $350,000,000. They even know where they want to build it. Their plan is to situate the thing where the railway tracks now bisect the city. The land will be freed up when they get the new rail terminal build west of Regina.

At least that seems to be their plan. In the mean time they intend to spend $1,000,000 on a feasibility study. I wonder how one gets on to that gravy train.

Months ago when the first sniff of an idea was out there my good friend Vance Reed told me with some confidence exactly what, in his view, the best plan was. You guessed it, a domed stadium, exactly where they have now announced it will likely be built.

Now, I figure Vance would have given them his opinion for about $20.00 leaving about $999,980.00 that could have been put towards something practical like, fresh drinking water for reserves or housing for the less fortunate who will never ever be able to afford to go to the new stadium anyway. We can never find the money to make sure that underprivileged kids have enough to eat but some how we can always find an extra $350,000,000 tucked away for football fans. After all it is Riderville isn't it Pat?

But, there I go again, off on another rant.