Raise the Hammer

The time to revisit the stadium location question is right now.

Circumstances have changed since the January 31, 2011 Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the city and the Tiger-Cats. It was based on the premise that it was less expensive to build half a new stadium at Ivor Wynne Stadium and renovate the north stands than to build a new stadium at the west harbour. That premise has turned out to be incorrect. It was disclosed to the public last week that an entirely new stadium will be built. The January 31st Memorandum of Understanding is therefore outdated and must be amended anyway.

Hamilton city council has a duty to its citizens to take a fresh look at the comparative cost and benefits of building a new stadium and velodrome at the Ivor Wynne Stadium and Mohawk College sites vis-a-vis a co-build at the west harbour site. This information is essential for the city council to make a proper final decision of this magnitude. It could also be helpful to the Tiger-Cats. For example, if the city determines that a co-build of the stadium and velodrome at the west harbour is less expensive than building them separately at the Ivor Wynne and Mohawk College sites, perhaps some or all of the cost savings can be used to add some seats to the stadium.

City council needs to have one or more Special GIC meetings this week to prepare themselves to make the best decision for Hamilton at their council meeting on September 13th.

Comment edited by RenaissanceWatcher on 2011-09-04 17:14:50