More letters from today's Free Press:
It works well in Calgary
I would like to congratulate David Asper and the University of Manitoba for coming up with a terrific solution to Winnipeg's stadium debate. I have been to scores of games at Canad Inns Stadium and it's a structure in need of replacement. The solution of putting a new stadium at the U of M where it will be utilized many more days of the year than the current stadium is terrific.
Needless to say there appear to be naysayers and complainers before a shovel has hit the ground. Noise, traffic and bright lights are the complaints that have already come up. I can tell you from my experience of living about 500 metres from McMahon Stadium in Calgary that these concerns are ludicrous. From my backyard I could hear the Ozzy Osbourne concert in August, but that was over by 9 p.m. and was one brief day out of 365. Hearing the occasional roar from a football game or baseball game has not in anyway detracted from the neighbourhood. I daresay that the sound of cheering, happy people adds value to those who hear the noise that fans create.
Houses sell as soon as they get listed, as a neighbourhood within walking distance of Calgary's best sport facility area are sought after by many people. In addition to the football stadium, there is a baseball stadium, running track, two hockey rinks and an assortment of other baseball diamonds and playing fields. Within 1.5 kilometres of this rowdy football stadium with its bright lights are two major hospitals (Foothills and Alberta Children's), which have not been negatively impacted by 35,000 boisterous fans descending on the neighbourhood 10 days a year.
Asper should be applauded for finding a location for a new stadium that does not require any major infrastructure changes. The U of M should be applauded for finding a private sector funding source that will allow the construction of wonderful new sport facilities on campus.
CLAY PURVES
Calgary
Not in her backyard
Re: Stadium wrong for U of M, Sept. 17.
Where was letter writer Karen Rice's voice of opposition when the plan was to expropriate land and flat-out demolish the homes in Point Douglas? Oh, right -- not in her backyard. She should consider herself lucky that she is not being asked to leave.
Brendon Ehinger
Winnipeg
Stadium proposal right
Re: Stadium wrong for U of M; Consultation lacking, Sept. 17.
As a long-time University Heights resident and University of Manitoba alumnus, I feel that a different perspective on the proposed stadium needs to be heard. I believe this proposal is something Winnipeg needs more of: progressive, forward-thinking and dynamic ideas. This complex, with its two stadiums and exercise facility, is much needed at the U of M. It provides a golden opportunity to showcase the U of M and to attract amateur athletes to their sports programs. A state-of-the art exercise facility would also provide an attractive recruitment tool for faculty and prospective students as well as providing a benefit to the community at large.
This is not a quiet, pastoral community.Each day, more than 41,000 registered students, faculty and staff enter our community. The Manitoba Marathon attracts thousands of participants each year and provides us with a sense of excitement and the opportunity to cheer those who are participating. Rather than seeing these as a negative, let us embrace these opportunities. Amateur and professional sports can help build a sense of vibrancy in a community. Now is the time to jump on this dynamic opportunity. Let's stop being NIMBYs (Not in My Back Yard) and embrace wholeheartedly an incredible opportunity for our professional and amateur athletes, and our community at large.
Genevieve Thompson
Winnipeg
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