I find this article very interesting, and makes you think of what we really could do, though I still think a new entertainment venue would be wonderful, I do think all that money could be used for so many things (like developing more of the downtown) but, enough of that, enjoy this read!
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PRUDEN: Why stop at a domed stadium?
By Jana G. Pruden, The Leader-Post
September 9, 2009 2:21 PM
It seems to be what everyone is talking about these days. Should we or shouldn't we? Is it still up for debate -- or is it already a done deal, as the rumours suggest? Does Regina really need a brand new stadium?
As someone who only recently began paying attention to the stadium debate, I'm surprised by the passion of the sentiment on either side of the issue.
For some, the domed stadium is a white knight, rescuing the city with economic development, prestige and opportunity. To others, it is a white elephant, saddling taxpayers with a multi-million dollar mammoth used only a handful of times a year by a small segment of the population.
What the new stadium symbolizes is equally unclear. Does it show that we are a city on the move, a 'have' city in a 'have' province, ready for a dynamic future? Or, does it show that we don't care about poverty and other social problems?
So, should we or shouldn't we? That's the $350-million question.
I've never gone to a Rider game, and I was only ever in the stadium once, so building a new stadium probably won't impact me very much one way or the other.
To be honest, I don't think I'm in a position to talk about good public policy anyway. If I had a few million to burn on a Regina monument I'd probably build something really dumb, like a massive statue of Leslie Nielsen that sings show tunes and gives out samples of expensive French cheese. (It might not have mass appeal, but I suspect a few of us would really like it.)
To be honest, it's only the cost of the project that gives me pause. Not to be a tightwad with my tax dollars, but $350-million is a whole heap of cash.
Think about it, $350-million is about $2,000 for every resident of Regina.
For that much money, we could give each person in the city a personal makeover and increase tourism because our entire population would be so attractive and stylish. We could buy everyone in the city a pony or an expensive stereo, or we could just give everyone a $2,000 cheque and a copy of the investment book Making a Million With Only $2,000.
We could send every citizen of the city on a Mexican all-inclusive vacation for a week or two -- which would definitely go a long way to improving morale sometime mid-February.
Saskatchewan's weather is a big part of the argument in favour of a domed stadium, rather than just a plain old — version. People say the dome would mean concerts and games could be held indoors year-round, regardless of the windy, sleety or freezing cold weather.
This has a lot of appeal to me. I hate the cold, and the idea of a balmy, domed refuge from the elements seems a worthy investment. My only question is, why stop at the stadium?
That is why I am officially proposing that we dome the entire city of Regina.
Sure, it would be a bit more expensive, but the benefits are almost limitless.
Just imagine how much the city could benefit from the Greenhouse effect. With heat and humidity all year round, the city would be lush with foliage, bursting with crops of fresh fruit and vegetables. We could even have orchards in the east end, or possibly some vineyards down south.
No more February blahs, no more annoying wind, no more shovelling snow. And the tourism!
In the middle of winter, people from all over the prairies could come to Regina for a tropical vacation. Talk about economic development.
It would be an oasis on the prairies, our dome sweet dome.
Now that would be something to cheer about.
Sign up for the "Dome our Home" movement by e-mailing
[email protected]
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The Brandt Centre is going to look soo much better! Thanks for that pic Stormer!
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