[mmmatt]

Originally Posted by P Unit

Has there ever been any discussion whatsoever about the city partnering with whatever branch of the Irving empire that owns the Wildcats so that they can help bear some of the financial burden? Or, has there been any discussion with any private company to discuss partnerships? If there's such a slam dunk economic case for this thing, one has to think that it wouldn't be difficult to find private enterprise willing get on board in some way.

However much people believe this arena to be a panacea for Moncton's moribund downtown (and I have my doubts - many, many cities have played this game to limited success, given the associated costs), I think that asking the province to commit to this while struggling to keep hospitals open is a big ask.

The economic case (as stated many times already) has nothing to do with the day to day operations of an event center which will most certainly lose money.

It has to do with the SPIN OFFS such as surrounding private investment in condos, hotels, shopping and resturants...there are at least two MASSIVE plots already purchased nearby this site (a full city block and a long forgotten swath near Vaughn Harvey) that are just waiting for confirmation on this project to BUILD. That means tax dollars in property tax...income tax for construction workers...sales tax from the completed projects etc etc etc....

The Irvings will not touch it because again the actual center will lose money, we may see a "naming rights" option show up to help out a bit (aka MIDLAND ARENA or something).

The province is not struggling to keep hospitals open...they are ho huming about doing the necessary aka closing schools and hospitals in long forgotten places...Many schools and hospitals have fallen into disrepair and are only 20% utilized...AMALGAMATE!

I'm personally still thinking positive on the events center file...I think Brian Gallant is putting on a show right now either so people don't think he's falling in line with the previous government....Or so people don't think he's "playing for the home-team" because he's from Moncton...

Regardless what he thinks this project makes excellent sense for Moncton right now, and Moncton is moving forward at a pace Brian can't afford to mess with. If we lose steam now what will be left to cheer for??? Energy East and its 75 jobs??? sorry no.