Posted from the Daily Graphic July 2 2008

The editorial page in the June 25th issue of The Daily Graphic had an interesting juxtaposition of articles:

In the editorial column, we have Ross Romaniuk of the Winnipeg Sun writing that he can’t understand why anyone would object to the new Blue Bomber stadium being built in Point Douglas: The project would bring badly needed economic development to a struggling area of the city. It would mean great improvement. Let the rich and powerful (“the movers and shakers” of Winnipeg) do what they want. Why should a few thousand residents of Point Douglas have a say? (Maybe because they live there, Mr. Romaniuk?)

It’s highly questionable whether a playing field where the wealthy can sit and watch nine or 10 Bomber games per year will provide any economic or social improvement to the residents of Point Douglas. Sunday’s Sun provided two articles by experts who have examined similar developments across North America, and they suggest that in most cases, the benefits have been marginal, at best.

Appearing just below this poorly thought out editorial were two more letters to the editor about the new Portage recreation complex. They are part of a long series of letters to your paper about this project. The most consistent concern expressed for many months has been the total lack of consultation with the community. Our present mayor and council members seem to think, like Romaniuk, that “the movers and shakers” should have their way, that a few thousand objections don’t matter. The message we get is: “Don’t bother us with questions. We have the answers. It’s money that matters. It’s getting your name on a plaque that’s important. Concerns about the environment, about traffic, about the character of our city are irrelevant.”

The recreation complex project may be going ahead despite the many objections, questions and concerns that remain. Unfortunately, it will do so without the full support of many of the good citizens of Portage and area. The price that’s paid may well include a lack of ongoing, enthusiastic support from our citizens — and a wholesale rejection of the mayor and council in the next election. Is it really worth it, gentlemen?

Jim Penhale

Portage la Prairie