The current proposal for a stadium in Shannon Park from Schooner Sports and Entertainment (SSE) is based on municipal and provincial funding. The proposal appears to be a great financial deal for SSE and a few businesses. And a stadium may also benefit some sports enthusiasts, but for the majority of citizens and taxpayers of this province and city there is no benefit, only very high financial risks.

If SSE believes a stadium will be successful in HRM, they should assume the financial risk to reap any financial benefits or suffer any financial losses as other businesses do when they come to HRM and Nova Scotia. HRM and the Province of NS should not be spending public money for the construction, operation or support of new sports stadiums used in whole or in part by professional sports teams or organizations. Corporate welfare needs to stop.

There was a development plan in progress for the Shannon Park property before this stadium proposal. During the Canada Lands public consultations in 2015 and 2016 their vision of creating a new community where once had been a thriving community was met with approval and welcomed by the residents of the area. A stadium was not part of the plan. The Shannon Park location is not the place for a stadium for so many reasons including parking and traffic issues that will be impossible to resolve.

I do not support the use of public funds, in any form, to build or maintain a stadium in Shannon Park –  which includes any infrastructure expenses that will be necessary. HRM’s Regional Council should reject the business plan submitted by Schooner Sports and Entertainment on August 30, 2019 and the Revised Community Stadium Proposal dated November 2019.