A toy perhaps, but it would be a functional toy with a well defined purpose.
A new events centre would be the linchpin for the sports and entertainment tourism industry in greater Moncton. If it isn't built, then the concerts and sporting events that this facility would attract (which are already beginning to go elsewhere) will dry up completely and this would have serious ramifications for hotels, restaurants and all tourism related industries in the metro area. This could negatively impact on literally hundreds of tourism related jobs, but then again I guess Brian isn't interested in job creation (or preservation).......
If the events centre isn't built, then the Aquillini block won't get redeveloped and all the other properties along the west end of Main Street just waiting the green light to go ahead will also remain moribund. We can all kiss goodbye to another couple of hundred million dollars in private investment, but again Brian doesn't seem to worry about this. After all, he's got his own magical billion dollars (of borrowed) money to spread around on paving projects all over the province.
If the events centre isn't built, then we had all better get used to looking at a huge gaping hole on the west end of Main Street where Highfield Square used to sit. If the events centre doesn't get provincial funding, then this hole in the ground will be around for a long time - a very long time indeed.....
So, Brian, the ball is in your court. Only an idiot would fail to see that at this point in the process that we have little choice but to charge ahead and get this thing done. But in the end all we can do is hope and pray to God that Brian is in fact not an idiot - but then again all I have to do is look at Brian's smug face and all I see is Shawn Graham all over again....
