BY ANDY LAIDLAW
Watching the events centre story unfold is similar to watching a slick infomercial where the promoter keeps over-hyping the product and the final pitch is the cheap price.
The city says it won’t affect taxes on an $80 million-plus project – seriously. This lack of transparency, through shuffling funds from reserves dedicated to important projects, is deceptive. Federal gas tax, Fortis revenues, and infrastructure funds were never intended for such purposes.
Cost estimates show this to be a minimum 5.4-per cent equivalent tax increase for 20 years. Alternately, this represents an immediate 5.4-per cent reduction in current taxes. Reserves will be required and they will be replaced through taxation, or services must be cut. With demonstrated operating costs in similar facilities in excess of $1 million and a capital cost which will likely increase, you should expect the equivalent of a 7-9-per cent increase in your taxes for this project alone. The city’s promotional flyer states that council will consider the financial implications after the referendum. Citizens should expect the city should provide this information before the referendum to facilitate an informed decision. You deserve better, with the city’s largest-ever project, than this fast-tracked, consultant- and WHL-driven rush to the polls.
This project will be detrimental to community recreation as the opportunity to build or improve other community amenities will be lost. This $80 million-plus cost represents arenas that the community can use, parks, open space and trails, recreation centres, art and cultural facilities and a long list of projects which will improve our quality of life. The big arena contributes little to sport or recreation. This is simply due to the economics of opening the facility for sport and community uses. Many of these large arena projects at least include a second ice sheet for community use. This could have been included for a modest increase; however, it seems WHL interests are driving this project, so expect their amenities to be prioritized including expensive VIP boxes to entertain corporate clients. Do you trust your council to put your interests ahead of the WHL’s?
The singular focus on this rushed project of this financial magnitude will impact the city for years to come. It will steal from needed social programs, important infrastructure, recreational, park and arts projects. Get out and vote on March 11.
Andy Laidlaw is a former general manager with the City of Nanaimo.