City Council, under Mayor LeBlanc, are rushing to embark on building a new rink in downtown Moncton that will cost in excess of $107 Million. This is at a time when we are in serious financial difficulty as a province, and facing $100's of Millions of repairs to failing infrastructure, and other required projects, in this city.

Many studies show that the type of investment they are about to make has not worked in most cities that have tried it, and many have regretted the decision and are left with huge debts and increasing taxes to cover the debt. The goal of this project is not going to be attained and we are going to be left with a huge debt.

Moncton is a great city, but we need to lead by example, and live within our means.

Moncton Council has a poor record of completing projects on budget, or on time. The Resurgo Place is a great example. It was about 30% over budget, has several problems including lack of parking, and there are lawsuits before the court for unpaid bills. The  Proposed Downtown Centre is a 14 times the budget of the Resurgo place, which would represent an additional $30 Million, if the cost overruns and mistakes are repeated, bringing this rink budget to almost $140 Million.

Why have we requested to borrow $95 Million for a $39 Million project? This is very concerning!

The Moncton Coliseum has been studied and a proposal to renovate and modernize the Coliseum was prepared that shows it can be done for $27 Million, leaving about $80 Million in savings for other projects around the city. The Province will very likely contribute to this project and further reduce the overall cost. The federal government is not contributing to the proposed rink project, we are simply diverting money they are providing for badly needed infrastructure projects by playing a shell game with taxpayers money.

The current location of the Coliseum is ideal for residents and visitors to the city. It is situated close the largest population of Moncton, the north end of the city, and is easy for travelers to reach by highway. It can be connected to the Red Ball Centre and Centennial Park. If more space is needed we can relocated the current Public Works Centre, which has been reported to be too small and needing more space. Hotels and restaurants are close to the current Coliseum and more can be added with land available in the area.

It is worth noting that the distance from the Coliseum to the proposed rink is 4kms, and takes less than 6 minutes to drive there in traffic.

Also worth noting is that the proposed rink provides NO FREE PARKING and attending an event there will require extra costs for parking, as well as walking considerable distance from where you can park to the rink, all while gambling to not be "booted" if you make a parking mistake. Will attendance for the Wildcat's, be reduced with increased costs and parking issues? Will the city be on the hook to compensate the Wildcat's for losses, as they have in the past?

The goal of the new rink is to drive development and traffic to downtown. Many downtown's are now becoming more residential and this is a great option/solution for Highfield Square. Let's consider building a mixed use residential and commercial property that provides condominiums or luxury apartments with retail shops and dining on the lower levels. Seniors and young professionals may be very attracted to this safe and convenient area and can provide an economic boost for downtown.This area provides easy access with the train and bus station attached, banks, grocery and other services within walking distance, as well as easy access to hospitals and other required services. This is only one of several possible options for the current property that should be explored.

In summary, there are many possible options available for this property that will be much less risky for the taxpaying citizens of Greater Moncton, and New Brunswick. City Council is rushing to get this deal signed and we are asking them to put the project on hold and look at other options, and involve the citizens of this great city in the process by holding a plebiscite, or public vote. Some councilors have stated that they do not need to consult the public because there is tremendous support for this project, however, much of the public seems to have questions and concerns about this that are not being answered and are not in favour of this.

Moncton City Council.......We are not in favour of this rink project and request it be stopped, look at renovating the Coliseum, and other options be explored for the Highfield Square property!