Halifax Stadium Discussion

[fenwick16]

IF SEA can succeed in setting up a 7000 seat stadium on the Wanderers Grounds then they will have accomplished something that I would have thought impossible a few years ago. (overcoming a vocal minority to get a stadium in a great location).

Maybe this stadium will be used for SMU college football and perhaps even a Vanier Cup contest.

[Colin May]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

We need to walk before we can run. Just getting a venue will be huge and I would hope the end goal would be an MLS team with lower leagues continuing to play.

Or we can just be negative. Why do you even post on here if you ostensibly don't want to see development of any kind? At least Keith is funny.

People on here make me realize that its the mentality that holds Halifax back... and you aren't even from Halifax. Why do you bother commenting?

I have probably lived here longer than you and I have been heavily involved in the metro community for over 40 years.
I'll tell you what holds back Nova Scotia - secrecy,pie-in-the-sky schemes and clutching at straws. I was and remain a vocal critic of public money spent/mispent on Burnside and Bayers Lake. I welcome development that meets the needs of the whole community.
I look forward to your significant cash investment in the business seeking to operate a soccer franchise. I invested my time coaching kids from the Boys and Girls club, an investment that paid off in a greater way than some minor pro team. We need programmes for all kids of all talents and without regard to the parental ability/inability to pay, and that requires our council to put a high priority on such programmes.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Colin May

I have probably lived here longer than you and I have been heavily involved in the metro community for over 40 years.
I'll tell you what holds back Nova Scotia - secrecy,pie-in-the-sky schemes and clutching at straws. I was and remain a vocal critic of public money spent/mispent on Burnside and Bayers Lake. I welcome development that meets the needs of the whole community.
I look forward to your significant cash investment in the business seeking to operate a soccer franchise. I invested my time coaching kids from the Boys and Girls club, an investment that paid off in a greater way than some minor pro team. We need programmes for all kids of all talents and without regard to the parental ability/inability to pay, and that requires our council to put a high priority on such programmes.

Just out of curiosity, are you opposed to a private company spending and risking its own money to set up a stadium on the Wanderers Grounds? From what I have heard, the Wanderers Grounds seems to be underutilized and not well maintained. With stadium seats and proper grounds, it could be much better utilized and enjoyed by residents.

Not everything needs to be about dollar and cents, enjoyment is also important for Halifax area residents.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Colin May

I have probably lived here longer than you and I have been heavily involved in the metro community for over 40 years.
I'll tell you what holds back Nova Scotia - secrecy,pie-in-the-sky schemes and clutching at straws. I was and remain a vocal critic of public money spent/mispent on Burnside and Bayers Lake. I welcome development that meets the needs of the whole community.
I look forward to your significant cash investment in the business seeking to operate a soccer franchise. I invested my time coaching kids from the Boys and Girls club, an investment that paid off in a greater way than some minor pro team. We need programmes for all kids of all talents and without regard to the parental ability/inability to pay, and that requires our council to put a high priority on such programmes.

Born here. Went to a peninsular elementary, Jr. high and high school. Played DVW and HH Marshall.

Don't need your nonsense comments.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

Just out of curiosity, are you opposed to a private company spending and risking its own money to set up a stadium on the Wanderers Grounds? From what I have heard, the Wanderers Grounds seems to be underutilized and not well maintained. With stadium seats and proper grounds, it could be much better utilized and enjoyed by residents.

Not everything needs to be about dollar and cents, enjoyment is also important for Halifax area residents.

He's also opposed to private developers risking their own money as well.

This guy appeared on these boards not too long ago and has been spouting nonsense ever since.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

IF SEA can succeed in setting up a 7000 seat stadium on the Wanderers Grounds then they will have accomplished something that I would have thought impossible a few years ago. (overcoming a vocal minority to get a stadium in a great location).

Maybe this stadium will be used for SMU college football and perhaps even a Vanier Cup contest.

You're totally right and the location is ideal.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by IanWatson

Huh? Colin is very much local. If you're saying he can't have a voice because he's a "come from away", than I'd have to say THAT is very much the kind of opinion that is holding Nova Scotia back.

Nothing wrong with different opinions on here. If we didn't have them the forum would be a pretty boring echo chamber.

Dude, he just poo pooed our potential stadium.

I'm pro this stadium, so how am I holding us back? The mentality is that we need new people that aren't negative pricks.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Have to agree with Ian on this. FWIW, I don't believe there are any requirements that a person has to be "from" here or even currently living here to comment on this forum... right?

In terms of people holding Halifax back, I don't believe it is actually being 'held back' - there's more development in Halifax now than I can ever remember in my half-century of citizenship - so I'm not sure from where that information/opinion is coming...

I'm not saying that. I'm pro the stadium and advancing the place I come from. This is reinforced by my friends who come from different places (mostly outside of Canada) and contribute. I've also lived in different places and see how they are doing things (in some cases better).

This being said, there is a tenancy to tell people what to think... or "that is impossible in Halifax". That is wrong and unfair to people who want to dream big.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

I'm not saying that. I'm pro the stadium and advancing the place I come from. This is reinforced by my friends who come from different places (mostly outside of Canada) and contribute. I've also lived in different places and see how they are doing things (in some cases better).

This being said, there is a tenancy to tell people what to think... or "that is impossible in Halifax". That is wrong and unfair to people who want to dream big.

I see where you're coming from, and I'd like to see it happen too.

However, I just wanted to make a point that we should be tolerant to others' posts, even if we don't agree with them, and even if they are not tolerant of our opinions - it only tends to continue and grow the negativity. I may not be the 'poster child' for this philosophy, but I am trying...

It's especially important, IMHO, that we don't question one's right (or privilege, actually) to express opinions here based on their opinions, location or place of origin. There, I'll step off the soap box now...

[Colin May]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

He's also opposed to private developers risking their own money as well.

This guy appeared on these boards not too long ago and has been spouting nonsense ever since.

Private developers can spend there money on private property and we don't need to help them. You can help them by investing your own money in the proposed local franchise.
Perhaps you invested in the Schooners and want to take a another risk. And how many Schooners games did you attend ?
Having attended countless pro games in Britain, as well as watching N Korea almost beat the Portuguese in 1966 I hope you'll understand my less than enthusiastic response to the CPL proposal and my preference for investment in better facilities for kids who just want to play a game and have fun.

[q12]

Originally Posted by Colin May

Private developers can spend there money on private property and we don't need to help them. You can help them by investing your own money in the proposed local franchise.
Perhaps you invested in the Schooners and want to take a another risk. And how many Schooners games did you attend ?
Having attended countless pro games in Britain, as well as watching N Korea almost beat the Portuguese in 1966 I hope you'll understand my less than enthusiastic response to the CPL proposal and my preference for investment in better facilities for kids who just want to play a game and have fun.

I'm not even sure where to start with these comments.

First the S|E|A proposal for a temporary stadium is not asking anyone for money.

Second this proposal in no way takes away from HRMs ability to invest in better facilities for "kids who just want to play a game and have fun". If there is a local team to cheer for I would argue more kids will be inspired to go out and play soccer even just for fun and get off their computer screens.

[Colin May]

My reference to NASL should really be included alongside the MLS.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

I see where you're coming from, and I'd like to see it happen too.

However, I just wanted to make a point that we should be tolerant to others' posts, even if we don't agree with them, and even if they are not tolerant of our opinions - it only tends to continue and grow the negativity. I may not be the 'poster child' for this philosophy, but I am trying...

It's especially important, IMHO, that we don't question one's right (or privilege, actually) to express opinions here based on their opinions, location or place of origin. There, I'll step off the soap box now...

Mark - He's been constantly spouting false information on here (i.e. all the new buildings in Halifax are empty, etc.)

I have the right to stand up for facts. This stadium is being paid for with private money.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by q12

I'm not even sure where to start with these comments.

First the S|E|A proposal for a temporary stadium is not asking anyone for money.

Second this proposal in no way takes away from HRMs ability to invest in better facilities for "kids who just want to play a game and have fun". If there is a local team to cheer for I would argue more kids will be inspired to go out and play soccer even just for fun and get off their computer screens.

Here here!

My rant was basically that we need to learn to take what is given around here. It pisses me off when someone moves here for "quaintness" and are actively involved in the decision making to turn away opportunities for the city (while small cities in Ontario and Quebec will take whatever they can get).

But hey, we're getting an IKEA!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Colin May

Private developers can spend there money on private property and we don't need to help them. You can help them by investing your own money in the proposed local franchise.
Perhaps you invested in the Schooners and want to take a another risk. And how many Schooners games did you attend ?
Having attended countless pro games in Britain, as well as watching N Korea almost beat the Portuguese in 1966 I hope you'll understand my less than enthusiastic response to the CPL proposal and my preference for investment in better facilities for kids who just want to play a game and have fun.

Cool story. Let them fail then... it doesn't impact you, as they aren't asking for public money. If its about using the wanderers grounds... its probably one of the least utilized pitches in HRM.

I "invest" some of my money and much of my time in social initiatives in countries where people don't have the opportunities that people have in Canada.

You're entitled to your opinion, however baseless it is.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Mark - He's been constantly spouting false information on here (i.e. all the new buildings in Halifax are empty, etc.)

I have the right to stand up for facts. This stadium is being paid for with private money.

Fair enough. It's not really my place to step into your conversation anyhow. No harm intended.

[Colin May]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Mark - He's been constantly spouting false information on here (i.e. all the new buildings in Halifax are empty, etc.)

I have the right to stand up for facts. This stadium is being paid for with private money.

Please find my comments where I state 'all new buildings are half empty'.
A careful reader will know that I have posted about unsold condos, such as St Lawrence Place where 42 of 82 residential units remain unsold almost 3 years after completion.
Or The Anchorage where 31 of 85 residential units remain unsold 4 years after completion.
Or The Killick which was going to be condos, then the developer told the media it was going to be sold as a REIT and is now unsold and just another apartment building.
The market is what it is and the facts are clear, the data doesn't lie.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Colin May

Please find my comments where I state 'all new buildings are half empty'.
A careful reader will know that I have posted about unsold condos, such as St Lawrence Place where 42 of 82 residential units remain unsold almost 3 years after completion.
Or The Anchorage where 31 of 85 residential units remain unsold 4 years after completion.
Or The Killick which was going to be condos, then the developer told the media it was going to be sold as a REIT and is now unsold and just another apartment building.
The market is what it is and the facts are clear, the data doesn't lie.

But why does it matter? The private investors are the ones to suffer if they can't sell/rent their condos.

In any case, being half sold doesn't mean being half empty. We know that some condos in King's Wharf are being rented instead of sold, when a buyer comes along the developer has an opportunity to sell, which he wouldn't have if a condo building isn't registered as a condo building.

[Colin May]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

But why does it matter? The private investors are the one to suffer if they can sell/rent their condos.

In any case, being half sold doesn't mean being half empty. We know that some condos in King's Wharf are being rented instead of sold, when a buyer comes along the developer has an opportunity to sell, which he wouldn't have if a condo building isn't registered as a condo building.

It may indicate that selling a building as a condo is not as easy as was initially presumed several years ago. The great condo boom did not happen on the peninsula. Higher end condos sell if there is a good view, a view that will not subsequently be blocked.
For HRM a planned condo building that ends up as an apartment building produces lower property taxes and the increased rental supply has the positive effect of acting as a brake on rental increases in established buildings, resulting in lower property taxes. All in all,good news for renters in HRM as the overbuild is working to their advantage, and bad news for those who bought into a condo and now discover they live in a hybrid building.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Colin May

It may indicate that selling a building as a condo is not as easy as was initially presumed several years ago. The great condo boom did not happen on the peninsula. Higher end condos sell if there is a good view, a view that will not subsequently be blocked.
For HRM a planned condo building that ends up as an apartment building produces lower property taxes and the increased rental supply has the positive effect of acting as a brake on rental increases in established buildings, resulting in lower property taxes. All in all,good news for renters in HRM as the overbuild is working to their advantage, and bad news for those who bought into a condo and now discover they live in a hybrid building.

I can't argue with you on this point. I personally would never buy an apartment style condo, although I have owned a townhouse style condo in the past. Currently I have a medium size, detached home on a small lot in the suburbs of the GTA and I am happy with it. When I retire (in a few years) then I will probably relocate to a cheaper location south of Hamilton, Ontario and down size to a smaller, bungalow style detached home.

In any case, I am mostly interested in Halifax area developments and I am happy to see a building boom in the Halifax area, after years of stagnant growth. I hope that you won't actively oppose a stadium on the Wanderers Ground since I think it will be good for the Halifax area.