What is the problem with our city councillors?
A new arena has been on the table for 10 years. For 10 years, this discussion on the arena has been thrashed around. Why are we procrastinating?
Why is city council willing to waste almost $300,000 of our tax dollars on a new study, when we have two excellent proposals for a new arena and event centre, on the table, from private developers?
Two proposals that will cost the taxpayers "not one red cent."
As stated in Mr. Zulich's presentation, this would cost taxpayers nothing, with the city a 25-per-cent partner, but privately run.
While the construction and operation of the ICC proposals would cost the city nothing, "the participation that will be sought from the city will be user fees," Fumana said.
These are two proposals that will save the taxpayers of this city millions of dollars. Why are we procrastinating?
These investors are not going to wait another 10 years for council to make a decision.
We elected a new council to be resolute and not be dilatory and play for time. Time could be running out!
If we play a waiting game, these two excellent proposals could be withdrawn in the next year or two and the taxpayers may be the only investors involved.
City council must look outside the box when making decisions for the future.
As we are the Greater Sudbury Area, GSA, we must stop thinking of downtown Sudbury and realize the GSA is Coniston, Chelmsford, Lively and Capreol when we plan for the expansion and future of Sudbury. It's not only downtown Sudbury.
Erecting the arena in the East End in proximity of Highway 17east of the centre of the city — a hop, skip and a jump from the airport — makes a lot of sense not only for visiting hockey teams but also convenient for performers for the event centre.
The second proposal for the South End is also an excellent proposal on Highway 69, a major artery from southern Ontario, utilized by most visitors and entertainers entering the city.
Mr. Kirwan's motion to move up the arena timeline, by issuing the request for proposals no later than Dec. 30, should have been accepted by council.
Let's move ahead before these two excellent proposals are withdrawn and we may be looking at another 10 years before we make a final decision.
Tony Sottile
Greater Sudbury