Winnipeg | RBC Convention Centre | Expansion | Completed

[Simplicity]

Originally Posted by buzzg

As for the Carlton Inn itself, I really don't think it was that bad. Sure it wasn't a Delta/Radisson/Alt/Etc, but compared to many of the other hotels like it in the city, it was at least fairly clean outside and didn't look too bad, and there wasn't too many problems there. It had at least been painted recently.

It had more to do with its proximity to the WCC expansion and MTS Centre in light of its more recent transition to housing for displaced flood victims. Same went for the St. Regis which is why they were both more or less purchased at the same time.

[The Unknown Poster]

Originally Posted by CoryB

Great discussion happening here.

I think it is also highly material to include that Chipman has a heavy interest in operations which bring a significant number of top value end hotel nights to the downtown. If Chipman could either directly or indirectly benefit from where those nights are happening he stands to further gain from every aspect of his operations. I have mentioned before how he already benefits from owning leases, operations or both from five downtown restaurant/bars with another two-four on their way. The MTS Centre also recently buffed up their pre-game/event offerings in this exact area too. Add in that CentrePoint includes a parkade and the removal of the MPI surface lot for True North Square.

I saw mentioned on Twitter a comment along these lines: I spent $400 for tickets, $200 for a jersey, $100 for a pre-game meal and drinks, $60 for drinks at the game, $40 for a hat and $10 for parking. Under the model Chipman is pursuing every one of those dollars is going into his account. Multiple that out by the number of home games and other events and you can see how profitable this is.

Sounds like a great plan! Smart guy. We should get the pitch forks out and go after him for being a smart businessman and providing services that we all seemingly desire.

[The Unknown Poster]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

You. Again.

Forget for a second the scent of a hockey player's jock fresh off a two game roadie. Replace the name Chipman with Shindleman and decide how you'd like to rationalize one over the other.

Lol. You're a very rude and aggresive person. Grow up. Or get laid. But wow, bitter much? HAHAHAHA!

[buzzg]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

It had more to do with its proximity to the WCC expansion and MTS Centre in light of its more recent transition to housing for displaced flood victims. Same went for the St. Regis which is why they were both more or less purchased at the same time.

No ya I get that, it's kind of a whole different issue though. It's the same thing with The Malbrough (which is bizarre because of the money going into it). The St. Regis was just as bad before, however.

[Simplicity]

Originally Posted by buzzg

No ya I get that, it's kind of a whole different issue though. It's the same thing with The Malbrough (which is bizarre because of the money going into it). The St. Regis was just as bad before, however.

Yeah, exactly. And as anybody who's been thinking this through, you aren't going to solve this problem by tearing down hotels. They'll just go to another one. There are too many services in the area that the very people you're trying to displace count on. You can't shut down entire commercial buildings on your way to the fulfillment of this ridiculous Jets theme park designed to bring the suburbs downtown. It won't work.

[1ajs]

dont get into personal attacks guys

[Bluenote]

Originally Posted by The Unknown Poster

Sounds like a great plan! Smart guy. We should get the pitch forks out and go after him for being a smart businessman and providing services that we all seemingly desire.

Exactly.

But it's the same person that seems to be alone with his pitchfork on here.
I am happy with True North. They make money yes. Smart guys. They will be the ones that keep the Jets here with no bail outs. How many cities can claim that. We are actually very envied for what True North has accomplished. And other cities would give their left and right nut to have a group like this.

[WestEndWander]

Originally Posted by Bluenote

Exactly.

But it's the same person that seems to be alone with his pitchfork on here.
I am happy with True North. They make money yes. Smart guys. They will be the ones that keep the Jets here with no bail outs. How many cities can claim that. We are actually very envied for what True North has accomplished. And other cities would give their left and right nut to have a group like this.

The fact that you somehow fail to see the $15-20 million (approx) in tax payer subsidies that True North receives as being a bailout just further drives home Simplicity's point. Every NHL team receives some sort of concession from their local governments. Why you think the Jets and True North are any different is beyond me. Can you say Shark Club?

[wags_in_the_peg]

The glass wall is up on the overhead walkway, looking nice

[Ando]

Originally Posted by drew

I know it was a joke. But I was serious that I like a good conspiracy.

Anyways this is a rather interesting turn of events considering who is involved, timing, etc.

Brilliant Drew! The Great Satan Chipman is reigning his hellfire down on Winnipeg!

[drew]

Originally Posted by Ando

Brilliant Drew! The Great Satan Chipman is reigning his hellfire down on Winnipeg!

I think we will soon also learn that the water sampler with all the failed tests has ties with True North... They have been laying down a very impression diversionary smoke screen as of late.

[steveosnyder]

Originally Posted by drew

I think we will soon also learn that the water sampler with all the failed tests has ties with True North... They have been laying down a very impression diversionary smoke screen as of late.

Apparently someone from True North also torched a hydro pole at Kingsbury and McPhillips last night which caused a power outage from Garden City to North Kildonan.

Anything to keep the heat off I guess.

[JamieDavid Exchange]

Watch video proposal here.

Video

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by JamieDavid Exchange

Watch video proposal here.

Video

I'll vote for that.

[Bluenote]

Originally Posted by Andy6

I'll vote for that.

Same. Those terrible chipmans making Winnipeg a better place. LoL

Simplicity. I await your in depth negative write up at how this is bad for Winnipeg. You can also tell me how the parking lot is good. Sorry for calling you out. But no matter what happens in this city. You find something wrong with it.

[Bluenote]

Originally Posted by WestEndWander

The fact that you somehow fail to see the $15-20 million (approx) in tax payer subsidies that True North receives as being a bailout just further drives home Simplicity's point. Every NHL team receives some sort of concession from their local governments. Why you think the Jets and True North are any different is beyond me. Can you say Shark Club?

So that amount is chump change for the amount that has been invested.
Bettman doesn't give the Jets anything. That was part of the deal to get them here. So yes the city helped out. I guess you would prefer the MOOse back.

Trust me if the jets did not come back I could see a wrecking ball on the Met theatre by now. The Alt wouldn't have been built either. And the now mega million dollar true north square would be proposed in another city.

So yes I fail to see the issue. The return outweighs the $12 million.

You all want the downtown revitalized. But you want it done for free ???

As for subsidies. Better dump on every single city funded public building from schools the museums to parks to skating rinks. No of these make money. Oh yes the Wag is also subsidized. The RWB is subsidized. But ya, let focus on Chipmans

[CoryB]

The difference seems very loud. Under the previous mayor this whole situation would have been stick handled a lot better.

My personal impression is under the old mayor the whole "plan b" deal done by CentreVenture would have been kept silent. All the parties would have been called to a meeting without the media present. With Bowman's push for "transparency" they then could have done the public Express of Interest for 220 Carlton. To no insiders surprise they would receive a bid from True North Square that we see now. It would quickly be deemed the best of the proposals and move forward. Instead we have two prominent public figures feuding and using the media to push their own side of the story.

Separately, my observations from the video are that it heavily played up the MI parking lot while really downplaying the role the 220 Carlton site had in the project. The purposed building at 220 Carlton also seems significantly larger than what had previously been discussed for that site as the initial hotel plan talked of splitting the lot. The planned parking structure for the MPI lot also appears to have disappeared unless it is part of the podium we see. No obvious branding for the hotel project in that video. A new walkway is also pictured from Hydro to the Tavern United building. It is interesting that the video would highlight a possible wine store in the plaza suggesting that Winnipeg still has to learn lessons from the 2010 Vancouver riot.

Overall, the project seems extremely ambitious for Winnipeg regardless of the details. True North though is well positioned to have a sense of demand for residential in downtown Winnipeg.

[The Unknown Poster]

Maybe Bowman was just drunk when he saw the video. Afterall, it was after a Jets game.

[drew]

Originally Posted by The Unknown Poster

Maybe Bowman was just drunk when he saw the video. Afterall, it was after a Jets game.

I am still not sure why it matters who saw the video and when.

The video tells you nothing about how the development came to be. This is really a weak argument on Chipman's part. Visually effective, but that's it.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by drew

I am still not sure why it matters who saw the video and when.

The video tells you nothing about how the development came to be. This is really a weak argument on Chipman's part. Visually effective, but that's it.

Yeah, I don't get it. The video is basically a rendering that shows nothing but a dreamscape of new buildings. Chipman is apparently suggesting that Bowman was completely in the know as to a very complicated development deal and subsidy arrangement and how it all works because he saw a glossy 2 minute video?!? Bowman says he can't get a copy of the contract and related documents... that's what matters here.

If Chipman and the Free Press want to crucify Bowman for insisting on transparency, I'd say that's to Bowman's credit. I'm sure Katz would have worked out a hush hush backroom deal but look where 10 years of that approach got us.