Jumping ship?

Just when you thought things were all quiet on the stadium front, our newly re-elected Ward 4 Councillor Sam Merulla sends out this release. Merulla says he'll introduce this motion to abandon all stadium talks at the first regular council meeting in December. Keep in mind that Merulla has never been a fan of the Games and has consistently encouraged council to renovate Ivor Wynne instead of building a new stadium.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree?

Whereas the problem with the Toronto Pan Am games bid has been fueled by emotion and based on wants rather than needs of our community.

Whereas the original purpose of the Stadium was to create a legacy for amateur sport and provide a new stadium for the Ti Cats.

Whereas if the Ti- Cats cannot afford the old stadium how can they afford a new stadium?       
Whereas the original purpose of the stadium has changed to simply creating a legacy for the for profit Ti- Cats and a potential professional soccer team.

Whereas a capital deficit of tens of millions of dollars prevails in the construction of a new stadium at Longwood.

Whereas the Council of the City of Hamilton's focus must be governed based on the need to focus on priorities that matter such as Manufacturing Jobs, two  billion dollar infrastructure deficit, one hundred and forty six  million dollar provincial downloading crisis and twenty percent poverty rate.


Whereas the issue of sustainability for the Hamilton Ti Cats is only realistically addressed at Ivor Wynne Stadium and the business challenge of the Ti-Cats is to fill the nearly thirty thousand seats available to them at a publicly  subsidized Ivor Wynne.

Whereas the issue of a new stadium is not the answer to the Ti- Cats sustainability but rather the issue of sustainability is addressed in the Ti Cats and the CFL providing a product on the field that creates a demand for tickets. Thereby creating the necessary revenue to become and remain sustainable.

Whereas  a renovated Ivor Wynne stadium at a cost of twenty million dollars over twenty years as approved by council in 2007 and a sold out stadium for all Ti- Cat home games is the answer and the most prudent initiative for all stake holders to pursue.

Therefore be it resolved that the City of Hamilton cease any further action in building a new stadium.

Comments

[Carrie]

He's blind and deaf, obviously. Let me make this really clear Sam - we want the Ti-Cats to stay in Hamilton. A new stadium will provide jobs, tourist dollars, revenues, visibility. We lost most of our stake in the Pan-Am games already, but if people work together rather than pull stunts like this one, there's hope we'll still be involved. Wake up.

[Markalanwhittle]

Must be a huge napkin or envelope to get all that political gibberish on it. Epic-fail. That's Hamilton, get used to it.

[Rich Gelder]

Having recently moved to the Autonomous Republic of Idontgiveableepistan, I couldn't be more indifferent about the stadium issue. I would acutally prefer no new stadium at all and who cares where the Ti-Cats wind up.

[Conrad]

Well for all you Ti-Cats bashers including you Sam Marulla how ever you type your name .. its because of you the poverty is going up in Hamilton GET JOBS IN HAMILTON and then we will see poverty drop in our City .. like a new stadium and don't forget the velodrome :)

[Steve Sheen]

The aberdeen longwood area would cost so much more money to make the area suitable for the new stadium.Doesnt seem logical.
The east mountain location would be sort of out in left field if you will and most Hamiltonians wouldn't see it as the east mountain is not a tourist area nor a business area that serves most hamiltonians,not to mention lack of adequate transportation for visiting fans.The west harbour seemed somewhat fisable.Refurbishing the old ivorwynn stadium seem's ok,but how much longer would the old stadium last and would it serve future venues,I think the new stadium should be built to accommodate a more modern and progressive lifestyle that will lift Hamilton into a strong vibrant and attractive place for future events.I believe the stadium should be built in an area that would be visited often and seen by many and of course appreciated.

[Arvind Singh]

I tend to agree with Bob Brattina on this one: The most practical solution offered by him is to hold the new stadium at Confederation Park for the following reasons:

1. The land is already with the city so taxpayers don't have to pay for it.
2. The Ti-cats like the location.
3. Easy commute with QEW nearby.
4. Bus and bike routes can be linked to location to make it friendly for all residents.
5. Most importantly, LOCATION! It's close to Burlington, easy to access from Niagara and other locations.

Only negative might be that it blocks the beautiful view of the lake. Still the stadium can be located so as minimize interfere with the landscape.

Other sites all have bigger problems but this one looks like the best choice. What do you think?

Hamilton is looking to diversify the city's image. I believe the games can highlight a lot of positives of the city beyond the industrial and somewhat outdated image as Steeltown.

This can be done in a cost-effective way where the new Mayor and Councillors need to exercise fiscal restraint.

[Arvind Singh]

I tend to agree with Bob Brattina on this one: The most practical solution offered by him is to hold the new stadium at Confederation Park for the following reasons:

1. The land is already with the city so taxpayers don't have to pay for it.
2. The Ti-cats like the location.
3. Easy commute with QEW nearby.
4. Bus and bike routes can be linked to location to make it friendly for all residents.
5. Most importantly, LOCATION! It's close to Burlington, easy to access from Niagara and other locations.

Only negative might be that it blocks the beautiful view of the lake. Still the stadium can be located so as minimize interfere with the landscape.

Other sites all have bigger problems but this one looks like the best choice. What do you think?

Hamilton is looking to diversify the city's image. I believe the games can highlight a lot of positives of the city beyond the industrial and somewhat outdated image as Steeltown.

This can be done in a cost-effective way where the new Mayor and Councillors need to exercise fiscal restraint.