Posted from the Letters to the Editor in the Portage Daily Graphic June 18 2008

What about spinoff?

With so many unanswered questions surrounding the construction of the multiplex, I have one for the city’s Economic Development Committee. How can you recommend the centre be built on the island?

A forty million dollar civic project should produce millions in spinoffs, but all I see are increased expenses. A centre built on already owned land at the Republic Park, with exits out Angle Road (recently upgraded for heavy traffic), would present the opportunity for development in the east end. It takes little foresight to predict a hotel, restaurant, gas bar, fast food and other developments servicing the new centre in the eastern end of Portage.

What new private developments are forseen with the centre located on the island?

A project such as the multiplex should increase the city tax base, not add costs to those already here.

Yours truly,

Craig O’Reilly

Portage la Prairie