Here is our Q/A with Scott:
Q. Clr. Lloyd Ferguson has recently expressed concerns over whether the right decision was made on the Pan Am stadium issue. Having endured a very elongated and often times difficult process that led to the existing site of Ivor Wynne being selected, do you see any value in reconsidering where we landed or how the stadium will be built, or do you think it is time to move on and continue to commit to the current plans?
A. City Council unanimously approved this site almost two years ago and we need to
focus on the positive. While we initially saw this as very much a compromise
site, our excitement and enthusiasm for the site has grown through that time as
we've understood the opportunities that exist within that location.
This is going to be the only multi-purpose facility of its kind in all of Southern Ontario that has the ability to host world class events, concerts and cultural exhibitions as well as thousands of hours of community programming. For our region and the city of Hamilton, its going to be a treasure for decades to come. We are incredibly excited about the unveiling on October 12th.
Thanks Scott for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian.
Scott has moved on, which is what most astute business people do. Enough of the city council attempt at drama!
ReplyDeleteLeave it to city council to insist on screwing this up worse then they already have. How about answering the questions on The Hamilton Waterfront Trust instead of cheap diversion techniques?
ReplyDelete"This is going to be the only multi-purpose facility of its kind in all of Southern Ontario that has the ability to host world class events, concerts and cultural exhibitions as well as thousands of hours of community programming. For our region and the city of Hamilton, its going to be a treasure for decades to come" Spoken like a leader.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if we made the right choice. NOT spoken by a leader.
Just like fergusons disrespect for gary santucci's hwt delegation, the west harbor ship has sailed.
ReplyDeleteI am very perplexed by Clr Ferguson's attempt to change the location of the Pan Am Stadium at the 11th hour. What was his intention? A long period of time was spent on this issue, and a decision was made. End of story!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me uneasy to see that happen. It appears like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. I lose confidence in the city council, because now I doubt the decisions that they make will be final. Does he know something that no one else knows?
The Pan Am Stadium location was chosen after much thought, and deliberation. Let's move on.
Totally agree, pretty late in the game to change game plan specially with all of the controversy in regards to any possible site. A tid bit of info regarding the organization ( not Pan Am, I think its call Build Ontario (?)) from the print media that reported that this org. has a reputation of building on budget which makes all the sense in the world when they do cost estimates and as reported by councillor Ferguson that the organization has grossly overestimated the cost of building a stadium.
DeleteIn my mind council did not unanimously vote to accept this as the best place to build ..
ReplyDeleteThis facility was somehow chosen because it embodies a piece of Hamilton's history. Nostalgia was drivng the bus with this decision. Not democracy.
Firstly, I hope when all is said and done, the architecture, the ambiance of new stadium - reflects the rich sports history of this city.
Secondly, all issues of egress are addressed upfront and included in the plan.. ie. ramp to LRT
I guess Scott Mitchell hasn't been to the ACC lately. I am not sure why he could not see that compromise and excitement when he initially said yes, with the rest of council, to the West Harbour.
ReplyDeleteI think we should all remember, Hamilton is only getting this facility as a result of the Pan Am Games and no other reason than that, another tax paying expense. I am surprised no one is asking how much the TiCats are contributing to the new build.
I'm calling it right now, we will get double dipped. TiCats will not only be getting a taxpayer build stadium, they will also charge more for tickets for games in 2014.
It is very refreshing seeing Scott Mitchell on The Hamiltonian. I don't know how any business person, who is set on dealing with REAL money issues, rather than making poor decisions at the expense of taxpayers, can put up with city council. Ferguson is obviously lost on this issue.
ReplyDeleteWe need to replace the whole city council crew.
Term Limits Now
P.S. Teresa- keep up the good work. everywhere I go, I hear something about TH and particularly, its refreshing approach to telling it like it is.
I applaud Councilor Ferguson as its never too late to make the right decision. The footprint of the west harbour site is slightly larger than the current IWS site and until they have a shovel in the ground its not too late to "pick it up" and build it where it optimizes the best overall good for the CITY no the football team.
ReplyDelete