Quote:
Originally Posted by drpgq
I have some skepticism towards this. First gets a fair amount of shows because Scotiabank arena has the Leafs and Raptors as major tenants and is incredibly busy during the winter months and can rarely accommodate multi-night events like BTS.
I think one could make a business case to be made for repairs amortized over a number of years. If I remember correctly, the city was losing more money during the tale end of the HECFI days back then they are losing now so the city has spent more money before. Plus the city seems willing to make the business case for putting money into Juno, CCMA and Grey Cup bids for what are one-off events, so the city putting some money each year towards upkeep of First Ontario doesn't seem outlandish.
|
Councillors seem to be hinting the city should not be in the business of entertainment facilties. Some would like to see the private sector take over. Council seems to be prioritizing roads transit and social housing. I think they fear the backlash from constituents if their property taxes go up say $200-$300 a year to pay for an entertainment facility instead of core assets. This brings up a larger question, is a professional enterainment facility something tax payers should be subsidizing? Especially when our community centres, transit network, social housing stock and road network are in need of hundreds of millions in investment. An interesting question. There are pros and cons to both public ownership and private ownership.
Also yes the scoreboard needs replacing. That board was paid for by the bulldogs owner. Hed probably pay for a new one but hes waiting to see what the plan is for the new arena. If hes gunna put tens of millions into a new arena, no need sinking money into the current venue. I think the city is holding off on the $50 million in maintenance(not even upgrades) repairs needed on the arena until they know if theyre keeping it or building new. Hopefully the ice piping holds up so the bulldogs arent displaced! Sounds like the place needs more than a couple mil a year.