There has been many questions asked about what this new Recreation Authority will be. The story was broke by the Daily Graphic apparently before the Mayor and Reeve were ready to discuss it.

Because there has been no more information come forward regarding their plans, we thought we at the PortageMultiplex.com website would assemble some information for the public to read.

An expected plan has this Recreation Authority to oversee the PCU Center complex and presumably other facilities in the City and RM . Because most city facilities run at a considerable deficit, it will make most rural residents concerned that they will have to begin paying for the City’s decisions of the past when the rural residents had no say in their construction. Not that Rural Residents have had any say in the PCU Center construction either.

Did you know during 2007:

Splash Island had a taxpayer funded deficit of 109,635 $

Centennial Arena had a shortcoming of 198,283 $

The Island of Lights was short 22,062 $

What about Island Park’s Operating expenses? Republic of Manitoba Park? Southport Swimming Pool? Glesby Center?

Does the Recreation Authority plan to annex the 4 recreation facilities in Oakville to help fund the deficits in Portage?

Looking at the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures linked above, is anyone surprised at how the sponsorship revenue and entrance fees of the Island of Lights has dropped dramatically?

If businesses are not willing to sponsor the Island of Lights, how does the PCU Center fundraising committee expect businesses to line up to fund their project?

We would hope the citizens and businesses continue to support the United Way campaign currently underway, as it would be a shame for all these volunteer organisations who truly need support to lose out if people have to choose where to send their discretionary funds.

That is if people and businesses have any discretionary funds left?

With the financial market chaos still swirling, many pensioners and those looking towards retirement have watched a large part of their savings disappear as the TSE has dropped nearly 39% since the optimism of the May 15th Glesby Center PCU Center unveiling.

Farmers have seen Canola prices drop upto 50% since their late winter highs along with large drops in most commodities. Input prices have barely moved from their all time record highs for Fuel, Fertilizer, and Chemical. This leaves farmers with a projected loss on their 2008/2009 crop

And any business who relies upon Farmers or the Public to sustain their salaries, they will be very hesitant to hand over any money in these uncertain times.

One only has to look at the number of businesses that have closed this summer in Portage la Prairie to see that the business climate is not a friendly one currently. No one besides City hall is excited that the only growth in the City is a Bargain Store and a Burger King.

And with the very real risk that they will have a consumer backlash against their business if they donate to the PCU Center, why would they?

Hopefully anyone that has some funds set aside for charity at the moment, chooses to give those funds to those who need it most, like the United Way. Or your local community group.

Or anyone who doesn’t already have both hands in your pocket through your property tax bill.