Why Aren't These Questions Being Answered?

The big claim of the “Event Center” champions, including the CJ, is that it will "Revitalize" the former PA downtown. Which of the previous “Revitalization projects” have succeeded, Ont Govt Bldg, Casino, Victoriaville, Courthouse? FW Gardens has brought several thousands, to the former FW downtown for various events and look at the sorry state it is! What will the next failing "Revitalization" project be when on-line shopping further cripples retail and the need of retail space shrinks further? This project does not replace FW Gardens, it will still need to exist in some form due to the long term FW Curling Club lease. A central location which included curling facilities could also accommodate the PA Curling Club in the plan and, would keep the place active during winter months. Water St is a location that has driven the cost off the radar, with its $114 plus price tag simply outrageous! There was lots of support for a new facility, though as the price escalated, support clearly dropped off! At $80 million, Innova Park had 2000 parking spots, is closer to the cities better hotels, highways, airport and LU with supporting convention facilities etc. Why has there been an unrelenting push for this facility at the Water St location from the beginning? Why has the public been shut out of making any decisions on it? Why was the consultant never asked the verifiable track record on their last ten project forecasts?  St Catherines ON can build a facility for $50 million, but we need a $114 million facility here, after its been scaled back, and with other costs hidden by being shifted to other departments? Why has there never been any research done to see how much of the community has the disposable income to support this facility? Why does Hobbs say if we want sewer, water & roads improved we better be ready to pay more, yet the city’s decision makers have no problem forcing this through? The sewer, water and roads are the justifiable priority and would quite likely qualify under the Build Canada Fund, which this facility does not! Why aren’t these questions being answered if there is nothing to hide? What is being hidden from the people who’ll pay for this “Mistake by the lake”?

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/editorial/letters/2015-03-23/event-centre-questions-remain