Re: Events centre plan shows city expects no tax-rate increase, Feb. 14.
As a person with considerable finance education and experience, I am fascinated by the city’s contention that the proposed $80-million events centre will cost taxpayers nothing more than they’re paying today. If the city can somehow patent this clever financial innovation and market it to other governments, perhaps property taxes in Nanaimo can be driven to zero as we all enjoy the royalties. Also, if the events centre referendum fails, I’m pleased to learn that the city has many extra millions of dollars sloshing around its coffers. If watching monster trucks in Nanaimo isn’t to be in my future, at least I can look forward to the cut in my property taxes that will surely be coming due to the apparently already banked city surplus that would have paid for the taxpayer-rejected events centre.
Sarcasm aside, I’m insulted by councillors’ presumption of my gullibility. I won’t even consider voting ‘yes’ in the events centre referendum unless I get a credible, sensible business plan that, among other important elements, clearly lays out all assumptions and best- and worst-case scenarios, highlighting in particular the long-term cost to taxpayers under each scenario.
In short, as my math teachers always instructed to deter cheating: please show your work; don’t just give an answer.
Kurt FischerNanaimo
Re: Experts question benefit gained from event centres, Feb. 16.
The statement that BBB Architects “is also poised to be the architect for the project” left me incredulous. If this statement is true, it completely destroys any credibility this city council has left.
It makes no business sense nor logistical sense to hire a firm to make a recommendation, when the firm is left in a position to profit substantially from its recommendation. This conflict in itself is sufficient for the people of Nanaimo to reject the funding proposal.
Wayne BrownNanaimo
Re: Council approves Phase 3 for events centre, Feb. 23.
The suggested multiplex is a great idea, just not for downtown.
I think city council needs a little wake up call. Have they ever gone to an event where 7,000 people show up? Where are you realistically going to build a multiplex near close to downtown that can handle thousands of cars and people? Nowhere, that’s where.
If you want to build a multiplex that can hold 8,000 people, you should be looking at the Duke Point ferry terminal area. This location could handle all the traffic, maybe even bring people in from the mainland to watch the Giants play. The Island could also get better music shows, due to the fact that acts could play both Victoria and Nanaimo.
Me, my wife and the kids usually go to Victoria to see concerts and shows at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre about once every two months. We stay overnight, hit a restaurant or just walk around and hit a few stores. We always meet peoples from up Island.
All that said, the money needs to come from private funds, naming rights and if the city wants to help they can offer some form of tax break for a few years – other than that no tax dollars should go toward this project. Build a multiplex with a with a hotel, restaurants and shopping built in.
After 15 years in Nanaimo, I’ve learned one thing that is a constant: City council does not have a firm grasp on reality.
Michel ClermontNanaimo
