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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 17:48:42 GMT -5
This is going to be the first of a several part series on the how the Stadium and arena finally got built, the formation of enterprises and related news for the period of 1946-1971.
Then it will turn into more Jets related news 1971-1996. And the many arena debates. I'll skip the whole merger thing since it's already taken care of.
And then on to the True North/MTSC.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 17:49:19 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS,' FRIDAY, JUNE -14, 1946
Meeting To Discuss Memorial Centre
Just what form the World War 11 Memorial Centre proposed for Winnipeg will take is to be discussed at a meeting of recreational cultural and community organizations at the Playhouse theatre, Friday at 8 p.m.
The city council recently passed a resolution favoring the establishment of such a centre with facilities for the encouragement of general recreation. It would be dedicated the men who died in World War II.
Mayor Garnet Coulter has urged that all persons and organizations interested in having such a project started, attend the open meeting.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 17:49:44 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, SATURDAY, JUNE 15,, 1946
Recreation Centre Favored Suggestions Pour In For War Memorial
Stadiums, public buildings, riverside drives, and recreational centres —all these forms of a war memorial for Winnipeg were suggested at a public meeting the Playhouse theatre, Friday evening.
Mayor Garnet Coulter, Aid. Jack St. John, and Peter Cornes of the North Winnipeg district were appointed members of a committee to look into the suggestions offered. The committee will report to a later meeting and assist in the final decision.
Suggestions for a memorial that would add to the life of Winnipeg —and so honor the sacrifice of Winnipeggers in World War II— came in thick and fast from the citizen audience.
G. C. Goodrick of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' executive, was one of those ardently supporting the idea of a large stadium. He explained that most of the important games *were played in other parts of the dominion rather than in Winnipeg because of the lack here of a large, well-equipped stadium.
"Unsightly Dumps"
"Unsightly dumps along the river bank" have roused the ire of G. D. Arnold. He favored a road-building project as a lasting peace memorial, and suggested that funds required for such a vast undertaking might come from the dominion and provincial governments, aided by a citizens' tag day.
Hon. C. Rhodes Smith, representing the Canadian. Legion, made his bid for a recreational centre. A small chapel, a resident chaplain and a place set apart where the relatives of servicemen could place plaques of remembrance were all part of Mr. Smith's plan.
Other citizens their viewpoints who expressed were: S. Rebcliuk of the Canadian Ukrainian Athletic club; J. Halpin, of the Y.M.H.A.: Robert Jarman of the Winnipeg school board; James Milne, of the Canadian Legion, and A E. Longstaffe of the Winnipeg Rugby Football club.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 17:50:06 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 1946
A LIVING MEMORIAL Recreation Centre Will Honor Winnipeg's War Dead
Winnipeg's memorial to her sons who gave their lives in the second World War, will be a living war memorial in the form of a recreation centre. In a resume of suggestions advanced at an open public meeting at the Playhouse June 14,
Aid. J. St. John at the request of Mayor Garnet Coulter convened with 10 representative citizens Friday afternoon, to discuss the planning of the memorial. At the preliminary meeting, the committee was given a copy of the motion passed in city council last fall, stating that the memorial would take the form of a recreation centre. Aid. St. John said that it was up to the committee to suggest the type of memorial, the size, and the cost.
The decisions would then go to another public meeting, and finally to the city council for approval. The town planning committee will suggest the site, when the form, type, and size is decided. " Charles Barbour, city recreational director, brought to the attention of the committee a plan outlined by the American commission for living war memorials, and the members were impressed by a project illustrated for Buffalo. New York.
They also discussed plans for funds, and financing, which covered popular subscription, individual gifts, and public taxation, as well as fund drives, and recreation profits.
Well Planned
"In making the choice," said Aid. St. John, "we must remember that the memorial must be w e l l planned, properly located, well built, eajy to maintain, beautiful, and above all we must not forget that it is a war memorial." Another suggestion was that it be publicly operated, along the same lines as the civic auditorium, and a board of commissioners set up, also that the auditorium be included as a unit of the memorial, to care for music and the arts.
It was decided that another meeting would be held next Friday afternoon, and to press ahead a_ rapidly as possible with plans. One member said, "This is just a sighting shot, now let's go". Members of the committee meeting with Aid. St. John, and Mr. Barbour were; G. C. Goodrick Slaw Rebchuk, Joseph Halprin, William Lampe, Alex Cairns, Brad Papworth, Rowland Williams, and Peter Cornes.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:00:31 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1946 MEMORIAL SCHEME WOULD COST $2,395,000 Exhibition. And Recreation Centre For City Proposed A $2,395,000 combined Agricultural and industrial exhibition and memorial recreation centre for Winnipeg at Polo Park, was proposed at the civic finance committee meeting, Friday morning, by J- N. T. Bulman and R. B. Hunter, representing the preliminary Greater Winnipeg agicultural and industrial exhibition committee. Support of the proposal was also voiced by Aid. J. St. John, chairman of the preliminary Winnipeg memorial centre committee. Complete co-operation between the two committees will be completed Monday, according to Mr. Bulman. The finance committee, which greeted the proposal favorably, appointed Aid. C. E. Simonite, J. Blumberg and C. E. Graham as s sub-committee to report on the matter and accompany the 'exhibition committee's delegation when it; meets the provincial government early in the week. "A front door for the activities of the farmers of Manitoba," " a show window to sell Manitoba's industrial products" were given asthe exhibition objectives by Mr. Bulman and Mr. Hunter. Both delegates stressed that the centre could be used for recreation purposes throughout the year. City's Share $1,115,000 Estimated to cost $2,395,000, of which the city's share would be $1,115,000, the Memorial Gardens (the name suggested by Mr. Hunter) would include a $500,000 arena seating 10,000, a $250,000 stadium seating 10,000 livestock sheds, and provision for the display of manufactured products, homecraft arts and school exhibits. (For complete financial details of the proposed centre, see the accompanying story.) The exhibition committee delegates urged that a money bylaw be presented to the Winnipeg electorate at the November election. Without prompt action, commencement of construction would be delayed another year. If the necessary support is obtained from the city, the provincial and dominion governments, work on the arena could be started in the spring of 1947 and the first exhibition held in 1948, said Mr. Hunter. "Why should Winnipeg, the premier city of the prairie provinces, be the only one without an agricultural - industrial exhibition?" asked Mr. Bulman. He pointed out its potential value to the province's agricultural producers and as an incentive to boys' and girls' club work. Largely City Property The site proposed, lying between St. James street to the west, Ellice avenue to the north and the C.F.R. tracks to the east, is largely city property. "The two objectives—a memorial centre and exhibition groundscould combine wonderfully. The centre could be a point of contact and competition for the local comrr. unity clubs," urged Mr. Bulman. "We lack the contact between country and city that other western cities have," said Mr. Hunter, who has made a study of the exhibitions of those cities, four of which cleared a total profit of $191,000 in .1945. Stressing the exhibition's potential value to Manitoba's industries, he claimed that Winnipeg's future is industrial. This city already has Canada's largest needle trade packing houses and dairy and poultry production. Mr. Hunter described the refrigerating plants planned for the arena, ice arrangement for winter sports, swimming and wading pools. Money-making- Proposition Contending that such an exhibition would be a money-making proposition, Mr. Hunter explained the proposed financial set-up, by which an organizing company would operate the exhibition. All profits would go back into buildings and equipment Support of the proposal was expressed by each finance committee member. "We'll boost you all we can," promised Aid. Simonite. It is expected that a special informal council meeting will be called, following the subcommittee's report, in order to meet the five-week advertising deadline necessary for a money bylaw. Honorary chairman of the agricultural- industrial exhibition committee is W. H. Carter: chairman, Mr. Bulrr.an; vicechairman, J. Elmer Wood, arid director of organization,' R. B.,Hunter. A sum of $15,000 has already been raised among Winnipeg businessmen to finance the costs of organization. DETAILS OF PROJECT A complete description of the memorial recreation centre and agricultural and industrial exhibition proposed by the Greater Winnipeg Agricultural and Industrial exhibition committee to the city's finance committee Friday morning follow: Site:—The property now owned -by the City of Winnipeg. East and North of Polo Park, bounded by Ellice ave. on the north and St. James st. on -the west Parking Site:—The property on the north side of St. James' street owned by the Municipality of St. James. Estimated Cost:—The site, and parking site, to be set by the city of Winnipeg and the municipality of St. James respectively, for the purpose of an exhibition and memorial community centre. Estimated cost of the buildings and improvements as detailed below $2,145.000 Working capital required for operation $ 250,000 Total $2,395.000 Proposed' Financing:—The cost of the buildings and improvements, in the proportions set out below, will be borne by the city of Winnipeg and Provincial and Dominion governments: | City | Province | Dominion | Arena | 300,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | Livestock sheds | | 125,000 | 125,000 | Manufactured products | 50,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | Auto and electric | 30,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 | Farm implements, etc | | | 75,000 | Federal building | | | 75,000 | Provincial | | 75,000 | | Homecraft | 75,000 | 25,000 | | Arts, fine and commercial | 50,000 | | 50,000 | School exhibits | | 30,000 | | Youth training | 10,000 | 40,000 | | Stadium | 250,000 | | | Poultry | | | 50,000 | Country boys and girls clubs | | 50,000 | | Pools ... | 50,000 | | | Landscaping | 75,000 | | | Roadways, etc | 100,000 | | | Sewage and water | 75,000 | | | Plumbing . | 60,000 | | | Gates and fences | No est. | | | Totals | $1,115,000 | $500,000 | $530,000 |
The working capital of $250,000 will be provided by the people and business interests of Manitoba through the purchase o£ shares in an association to be formed for the purpose of operating the project on a 12-month basis. The shares will be $10 shares, not entitled to dividends or to share in any earnings or profits, but shareholders shall be entitled only to attend special or annual meetings and elect two-thirds of the directors. The municipality of St. James shall nominate one director. The city of Winnipeg, province and Dominion government shall elect two directors each. Ownership:—The grants of the "Dominion and provincial governments and the municipality of St James will be made to the city of Winnipeg. The building and development of the project will be the. responsibility of the operating association. Ownership of all land and buildings will be in the name of the city of Winnipeg. The city will lease the land and buildings to the operating 'company for a period of 99 years, for a consideration of one dollar. Operation:— The operating company will maintain and keep in repair all buildingr and improvements, pay all insurance premiums, operate the community centre and exhibitions, and other attractions or undertakings which the directors consider to be in the interests of the community. The land and buildings are to be exempt from all municipal, provincial or dominion taxation. ....
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:00:50 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1946
2 Money Bylaws Totalling $2,000,000 Will Go To City Voters Nov. 22
The green light for submission of two money bylaws, a $1.500,000 one for the proposed Memorial centre at Polo Park, and a $500,000 one, to pay the cost of. Establishing parks board recreation facilities, to the electorate at the November 22 civic elections, was given in the dying hours of a four hour session of the city council Monday night.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:01:10 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1946
J.N.T. Bulman President Exhibition Group Selects Officers
J. N. T. Bulman was appointed president of the newly-formed Greater Winnipeg Exhibition and Recreation association at an organization meeting in the association's Somerset building office, Tuesday.
Other members of the executive include: honorary president, W. H. Carter; honorary vice-president, Hon. C. Rhodes Smith; vice-presidents. Aid. J. St. John, J. Elmer Woods and W. R. Macarthur; director of organization. Pv. B. Hunter. Ind secretary. Miss M. M. Robertson.
Committees Named
Management, executive, finance, publicity and building committees were also appointed. A statement relating the growth and purposes of the association said: "The memory of Greater Winnipeg's sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives in World War II will live forever in the affection of their native city through the early development of a Memorial Recreation and Exhibition Park-
Such is the plan on which taxpayers will be asked by the city council to vote on in the forthcoming civic elections, and with the assumption that the people of Winnipeg will be wholeheartedly in favor of this project, construction will commence just as- soon as building materials and labor can be safely spared from housing projects.
"For months past, two committees have been silently but actively at work. One _aimed to provide here a show window for western Canada in the agricultural and industrial field, through promotion of an annual exhibition that may well become the Canadian National exhibition of the west The other, a citizen committee appointed by Mayor Coulter has been working to develop . . _ an all-year round recreational and sporting memorial centre.
Merge Two Groups
"It was soon found that the needs of one complemented the needs of the other: that the buildings required for one would be quite suitable for the other. Hence the merger of these two groups ... new organization with the Memorial Recreation and Exhibition Park as its united objective."
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:01:25 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1946
All Eligible For Membership Citizens Get Chance to Share in New Park
Winnipeg's proposed memorial recreation exhibition park will be .owned - lock, stock and barrel by the city of. Winnipeg," R. B. Hunter, organization director, said Thursday.
Ownership of all lands find buildings would be in the city's name and anticipated grants or buildings from the federal and provincial governments would be made to the city.
Every man, woman and child in Greater Winnipeg would not only enjoy the year round facilites at Memorial Park, but would also be ewlidgable for membership in the Greater Winnipeg Exibition and Recreation association at $10 per share Mr Hunter said.
Money derived from the sale of shares would be utilized as an operating fund, but would not entitle any shareholder to divdens or lo participate in any earnings or profits of the association.
Shareholders, would, however be entitled to attend special and annual meetings and to elect twothirds of the directors. The remaining directors would be appointed by the city, the provincial and federal governments and other municipalities. "Thus the park would be operated on a thoroughly democratic basis in he interests of all citizens." the director of organization explained.
A temporary executive is now functioning until such lime as a new board of directors can be set up as described, he said.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:01:43 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1946
Hockey Today, Circus Tomorrow Memorial Arena Will Be Tops In Canada, Says Committee Head
Designed to accommodate 10,000 people, the $1,500,000 proposed Memorial Arena for Winnipeg will compare favorably with Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, G. C. Goodrich, sportsman . and chairman of the Memorial building committee, declared in an interview Tuesday.
"It could be hockey one night and an indoor circus the next," he said. Outlining details, Mr. Goodrich explained the arena will be fireproof and ultra-modern in design. Every seat will be 'a perfect one for view, with no pillars or obstructions of any kind. "No longer will restricted accommodations in the west serve as an excuse to give the east the Benefit of play-off games," said Mr. Goodrich.
An artificial ice plant, designed to provide facilities for hockey games, is planned. An industrial show, indoor circus, or automobile exhibition could be held at a moment's notice." The arena will be tops of its kind in Canada,'-' enthused Mr. Goodrich.
Low Admission Charges
Admission charges to sporting events in the new arena will be maintained on a modest scale to enable all sports loving citizens to attend, he said. Tentative plans also provide that a portion of the arena's seating capacity will always be available to juvenile sports fans at nominal prices, within range of their restricted means, he announced. "What greater honor could be paid Winnipeg's war dead than this living memorial?" Mr. Goodrich concluded.
Outlines Movement'
J. N. T. Bulman, president of the Greater Winnipeg Exhibition and Recreation association, outlined the beginning of the movement in a lunchon address at the Kiwanis club at the Royal Alexander hotel Tuesday. "Establishing such an institution would mean a contact between rural and city dwellers," said Mr. Bulman. "And it would also be a centre of spiritual, cultural and physical development throughout the year."
Mr. Bulman traced what had taken place in the planning of the institution. A discussion 18 months ago led to the question of why Winnipeg could not be a. recreational centre. Then 23 persons from throughout Manitoba joined together to discuss the problem from the agricultural end Further discussions took place Mr. Bulman said, with the result that a provisional committee was set up.
Question of a site was settled when the memorial group and the exhibition group amalgamated, he said. The organization then be came the Greater Winnipeg Exhibition and Recreation association for the development of Memorial Recreation and Exhibition Park.
Class A Fairs
An unanimous vote in favor o Winnipeg entering a Class A exhibition circuit was adopted when the 23-man Manitoba committee met in the city, said Mr. Bulman As Brandon starts off the Class A fairs, it was decided Winnipeg should fit in at the end of th schedule, following Regina, which would make the date about the second week in August.
The proper site for such a park was found to be Polo Park, the property of which is owned largely by the city, The town planning commission, In their judgment and study of the problem. agreed with the association, stated Mr. Bulman.
"Now we are asking the citizens of Winnipeg for $1,500,000,' plus the land to start off the project," he said. "That is the sum to be placed before the voters of Winnipeg in the Memorial Park bylaw Mr. Bulman outlined the various programmes that could be held in the gardens, pointing out that $10 shares will be sold to the public. The association will lease from the city the right to operate the Memorial. Recreation and Exhibition Park, bearing in mind certain conditions as to upkeep of property.
"No one," stressed. Mr. Bulman, "is interested in this project for profit. It's just that citizens want to put their monies into the development of a living memorial. They want to see that what our 'boys fought and died for will be guaranteed, in giving; to youth and adults a place where competitive sports can be developed.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:02:12 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1946
Kennedy Urges Bylaw Support
Calling for the endorsation of the $1,500,000 money bylaw by every voter in Winnipeg, W. A. Kennedy, in a radio address, said Tuesday that the vision of Winnipeg's pioneers was responsible for ' the development of the city, and urged that this same vision be applied to the creation of a memorial recreation and exhibition park . The bylaw, together with one for $500,000 for a wider recreational programme, will go before the electorate at the civic elections. "Within the lifetime of some of those still living," Mr. Kennedy said, "Winnipeg'has developed from a trading post to a metropolitan city. 'Our great parks, our cheap power and light rates, and our Greater Winnipeg water .system are due to the vision and courage of pioneer citizens.
"The money bylaws of this year's civic elections indicate that the citizens : of Winnipeg still Have vision, he continued. "To put (this vision into action requires |the moral support and the voting endorsation of every elector Nov. 22."
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:02:36 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8; 1946
PRO AND CON Offer Views On By-Law
On A QUESTION so vital as the proposed M e m o r i a l Sports Centre involving as it would the outlay of $1,500,000 if it is to become a reality, it is only natural there will be many arguments both pro and con among the citizens of this community as to the desirability of such a centre.'
This column believes a sportcentre such as the one en which tax-payers will vote on Nov. 21 is hardy needed here mainly be cause present facilities for spectator sports are outmoded.
The other day we requested readers to write and give us their views on the subject. Today's mail brought a number of letters but many of them did not bear the signature of the writer. In accordance with Free Press policy letters of this nature must be signed by the writer before publication. However, if the correspond requests, pen names may replace the original signature on publication.
HEREWITH ARE two of the letters we received, one for ant one against the sports centre. Anon writes: "Read your column in Tuesday night's paper and while I am 1 little bashful about writing to the press, I feel rather strongly about this Memorial Recreation getup and like your stand in the matter so here goes.
"It seems* to*" m*e a certain individual seems to have the sport and recreation in this city as a personal monopoly and until either he spends some money improving his facilities or the people of Winnipeg pass the legislature necessary to build our own, Winnipeg is going to remain a "tank town" in the sports world.
* * * "It is expecting too much of our sporting greats to remain and perform in the crude surroundings that our present antiquated surroundings offer. And it should be a source of embarrassment when visiting teams and athletes are invited here, particularly when one thinks of the mud-bath that the two teams were subjected to in the final game of the western football final. Is it any wonder that the fans stayed away in large numbers? Anybody with an ounce of brains knew beforehand what to expect and its the great wonder that as many turned up as did.
"It is our proud boast that we develop the best and most hockey players in the world. Dare we coast about our hockey rink? Dare we boast about our football stadium? And the joker is that the cheapest seats are available at a dollar a copy and still we acquiesce and shell out. It speaks highly of the faithful who support our teams but surely they deserve a better fate and would get it if they'd push this thing.
"What about the fans in.. the lower income brackets? They are not getting a show at all. "Even Regina's small stadium provides cheaper seats. By all means let us have a bigger stadium and a bigger rink. There will still be 5,000 or more fans who will be glad to pay from a dollar up for the privilege of sitting at centre field. There will be double the number and more who will fill the rest at from 75 cents down. Sport is intended for all classes and if you offer all classes the share of the park that they deserve and can afford to pay for, 10,000 seats won't be enough.
"Our Memorial Recreation Centre will provide all this and give us something that we and the fellows we are honoring could well be proud of."
TAXPAYER WKITZS: "In Tuesday's paper you published an article urging people t vote in favor of the money bylaws' on Nov. 22. Well, here is on of your readers who is not in favor of it. While we all like to pay tribute to the fallen and like to uphold their memory, this I one proposal which has a bad odor
Better that the money should b spent on those heroes which cam back and build houses and accommodation for them. There will b time after they are taken care o to think of something more appropriate to honor the memory of the fallen.
"Also who is going to pay for al this? Just the taxpayers of the city. That is a gross injustice t. the taxpayers who are already taxed to the limit. Why should they alone be asked to shoulder the burden.? * * * "Our taxes should be used for better purposes such as better education, free hospitalization, veterans housing and last by all means at the present time, sports stadiums.'
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:02:56 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1946 POINTS CLEARED UP More Readers Air Views On Bylaw Wednesday has been sec as the deadline for letters from Free Press sport page readers in connection with the proposed Memorial Sports Centre. Once again it must be- stressed that all correspondence must bear the writers' signature and address although pen-names will be used if requested. The argument for and against the proposed hockey arena and stadium still waxes hot. Here are two more letters. DEAR SIR, I have -followed your articles on the proposed recreation Memorial Centre with a great deal of interest. Your articles have been well taken, in particular your early editorial in which you staled that should this by-law be defeated, Mr. Public could never again open his mouth in complaint against the treatment he is currently receiving. This point should be stressed, as it is important. This is probably the first time in the history of Winnipeg that any definite move has been made to create an adequate sports centre, and should this attempt -fail, it is a matter of conjecture when the citizens of Winnipeg will again be given the opportunity to create such a centre. * * * A second point that should be made perfectly clear, last I have heard a certain amount of criticism on this point) is the statement which appeared recently in the Free Press to the effect that construction of this Sports Centre would in no way interfere with the building programs now in effect. In other words, materials will not be diverted to the Sports Centre away from house building, which is such a vital issue at the moment. A statement to this effect lias been given the public, and there should be no misunderstanding on this point. A third point which seems to have bothered a good number of persons is admission prices at this new Sports Centre. Folks are drawing comparisons between prices currently being charged. As I see it, actually there is no comparison. These people are putting the cart before the horse, first lets be sure we have a new Sports Centre, then we can worry about what policies will be followed. However, I too feel that the public is being "victimized" to a certain extent by our present promoters. They know full well they can charge excessive prices and sell the house out, so why should they worry about what the public thinks. As long as they keep coming, they are certainly going to have to pay, and that's for sure. Actually you can't blame the promoters, its the public's fault for supporting the contests, and I would suggest the best way to circumvent a repetition of this situation in this new Sports Centre would be to make absolutely sure that none of the present operators have any pan: in the policies or operations of this new Centre. » * * ANOTHER POFNT seems to have a number of folks a bit off the beam. In remarks I have heard, one could almost come to the conelusion the" outdoor stadium was being built expressly for our Blue Bombers.-And that the Arena is| for junior hockey games only. Actually I don't suppose anything could be farther from the truth. While it is true, that both these organizations will have full use of these new facilities, by the same token they should be made equally available to all sections of our city, and to all strata of sports. The bush leaguer should be made equally at home as Mr. Blue Bomber, and further I would suggest that with adequate management, he WILL be. After all, tile idea of giving all sports fans, and all athletes, a chance to strut their s t u f f is the only justifiable reason the public! could vote for this money by-law. Most certainly Winnipeg is not going 10 spend all that money for one group or organization only. If I it. Were for these groups only, I for one would say let them go and build their own sports park. You may have wondered from the above if I am more or less against this by-law. Most certainly I am not. I think and I am sincerely anxious to see that it goes over. However, it was in an effort to get some of the more pertinent points definitely clear that this letter was written. KEN KING DEAR SIR, Okay, you asked for it. I think the idea of sinking a million dollars into a so-called Memorial Recreation Centre at Bolo Park is the most fantastic non sense to hit daylight since they built that Zeppelin tower on the Empire State building. As a Winnipeg taxpayer now living in Ottawa. I don't object to spending money. I'm the greatest "Yes" voter on money bylaws you ever saw. But because someone has a pipe dream to promote something as mad as anything in "Alice" is no reason for endorsing it. » » » By all means spend some money, but ask the community clubs and the people of River Heights, Elmwood and ' the North-end, what they think of the Polo Park nightmare. You'd better get asbestos ear muffs before going to Elmwood. And if a new rink and stadium looks like such a good bet, where are all the free enterprises? Wouldn't it be just wonderful for all professional sports promoters to have the citizens of Winnipeg underwrite their capital costs. Then with the newspapers donating millions of ems ( ) of space, they'd be in wonderful shape. If I. knew when Election Day was, I'd cheerfully fly home and vote one emphatic "No" against this by-law. OTTAWA EXILE
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:03:11 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1946
Now Or Never Is Time For Exhibition, Says Hunter
"It's now or never, for a Winnipeg exhibition," R. B. Hunter managing director of the Greater Winnipeg Exhibition and Recreation association, told the agricultural section of the Winnipeg board of trade, at a luncheon meeting in the Marlborough hotel Thursday.
Urging the members to all-out support of the $1,500,000 money by-law which would finance Winnipeg's contribution to the proposed Memorial Recreation and Exhibition Park, Mr. Hunter said that increased trade and prosperity would result for the whole of Manitoba.
"Because of its geographical position, cheap power, water supplies and potential markets, this city's industrial output is bound to increase rapidly. From an agricultural standpoint, Manitoba already ranks high, with the world's largest grain market, and Canada's largest cattle and poultry markets. Electrification intensify agricultural production even more," the director continued.
Among other advantages of the project, Mr. Hunter said it would provide a meeting-place for city and country; a drawing-card for Canadian and American visitors and an incentive to higher quality in Manitoba products.
"Our exhibition would in no way interfere with Brandon's." said Mr. Hunter. "Our summer fair would be in August, after the other Manitoba Class A fairs are finished. Our stock show would be in November, prior to the Royal show in Toronto. Winnipeg's would become the western Royal.
"This exhibition would give Winnipeg: a new place in the sun. This is our great effort and opportunity, a worthy cause in the great tradition of Manitoba's pioneers."
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:03:31 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER,. 16, 1946
STUDENTS'HEAD SEES NO CONFLICT Lynn Watt Backs Memorial Centre
There is no conflict between the proposed Memorial Exhibition and Recreation Park and the University of Manitoba Students' Union and Athletic Centre drives, said Lynn Watt, president of the students' union in a broadcast over radio station CJOB, Friday evening.
W. A. Kennedy also gave the bylaw his support in a broadcast over CKY, Thursday evening. The primary objective of the students' drive is a combined union building and gymnasium, with facilities for extra-curricular activities, for athletics and for recreation. said Mr. Watt.
"I should like to emphasize that we do not plan to erect any tremendous stadium paralleling college bowls in the United States. Only a relatively small portion -of the money we collect will go to wards our playing fields and spectator accommodation.
"Both (drives) aim to fill a vital need in the community. They compliment each other in serving the best interests of the community as a whole. That is why we urge you to support the Memorial Exhibition and Recreation Mr. Watt continued.
The president pointed out that the proposed park would provide Winnipeg with the necessary facilities to carry on a full athletic programme and development of high school athletes and of junior sport in general.
-Mr. Kennedy urged action now on the memorial project because this is the last available site with good transportation facilities within the city limits, large enough for a project of this description. Secondly this site must be reserved now while the city owns the property or it will be" lost in the general building expansion.
"I'm for providing better accommodations for tomorrow's citizens” said the speaker advocating a 10,000 seat Memorial Gardens for winter sports, year round musical, educational, fraternal and religious gatherings, and a 15,000 capacity stadium to accommodate the thousands now being turned away from games in Winnipeg.
Mr. Kennedy foretold the use of the stadium for concert purposes, of the playgrounds a mass field day and sports jamboree, with the Gardens housing a display junior arts and crafts.
Our pioneer citizens had vision. They gave Winnipeg today's parks, hydro and water supply.," Mr. Kennedy concluded. "How is your vision, Mr. Voter of 1946?
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:04:23 GMT -5
WINNIPEG. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 1946 Development Of Youth Rabbi Frank Backs Memorial Park
The value of the proposed Memorial Exhibition and Recreation park in. the development of youth was stressed by Rabbi Solomon Frank in an address over radio station CKY, Monday evening.
Two ether speakers gave their support to the project in radio talks Monday evening—Edgar W. Kellctt over CKY. and J. Halprin over CJOB. J.Irs. E. L. Taylor spoke over CKY. Tuesday morning.
"This great civic project—it's an opportunity to give to our youth the facilities long craved by their older brothers and sisters, many of , whom, did not survive the second world war to see thc fulfillment of this dream—a living memorial worthy of their sacrifice," said Rabbi Frank.
Meeting Ground
"Throughout the war. young men and women of varied origins, classes and creeds enjoyed comradeship in a common cause. They came to understand one another. Now they have to returned to their separate ways of life.
I like to think of the proposed exhibition and recreation park as a common meeting ground —a stepping stone to a united and sturdy Canadianism which can do much to make our country great," he continued.
Estimating the cost to the average Winnipeg home-owner, over a 15- year period, as $2 per year. Rabbi Frank said it was a small price to pay for youth's welfare, under a year-round use of the facilities afforded.
"Surely we shall not begrudge $1.500,000 to help win the peace. We shall not have won the peace if we neglect Winnipeg's greatest asset, its young people," he urged.
As a weapon against child delinquency. Rabbi Frank said the plan would be a practical way of providing youth with necessary facilities for the development of good, clean sport and recreational activities, particularly among the teenage group. "Too often, these young people are aemed the pleasure of spectators because their meager cash resources fail to meet the prices of admission tickets—sometimes, too because of restricted accommodation."
A further worthy feature of the project he found in the fact tha4, as a city-owned concern, ail profits realized would be utilized for the further development and beautification of Memorial park.
Sound Business
Discussing the park as a "sound business proposition." Mr. Ksllett said it had every indication of being self-supporting. "No individual or group of inpect
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:04:41 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1946 Memorial Park Proposal Is Supported What the civic auditorium has done in the field of music and fine arts. Memorial Exhibition and Recreation park can do in agriculture, industry, household arts, track, football and hockey." said D. Bruce Shaw speaking in support PI the proposed park over radio station CKY. Tuesday evening. Aid H. B. Scott also called upon Winnipeg’s ratepayers to vote for the$1,500.000 money bylaw in a talk over CJOB the same evening. "Nothing brings out superiority in any field like keen rivalry and competition. Among other things, Memorial park would declare champions." continued Mr. Shaw. Estimating the cost to the taxpayers at two-thirds of a mill over a 15 year period, he said the average homeowner's share per year would be approximately the cost of two admissions to one good football or hockey game. "The initial construction plans are well advanced. All that is required now is your support. Three out of every five votes cast are necessary if the bylaw is to pass If it fails now, we may have not other opportunity to get these things for Winnipeg. A year from now" two years from now, the site most surely would not be available." Winnipeg At Crossroads Aid Scott claimed that Winnipeg is now at the crossroads—it must either go ahead or stagnate "Our reputation for amateur sports and the building up of the finest athletes in Canada should now be enhanced by giving them' the proper facilities for their sports and the rest of us a proper place to see them play." he said."' Corner lot hockey, baseball, etc.. is definitely not enough for a city of this size.". If Winnipeg is to live up to her name of the "gateway of the west", she should have an exhibition to draw the attention of all of Canada and of American visitors said the alderman. Such an exhibition would be a stimulus not only to local business but to that of the whole province. Aid Scott stressed that use of the majority of the holdings planned not only for a summer fair but for year round recreation purposes.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:04:56 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1946
City's Sport Future At Stake On Friday
THE CITIZENS OF Winnipeg will go to the polls tomorrow.
Their most important duty will be to elect the men and women whom they deem are best equipped to conduct civic affairs. It is imperative we have good government if the city is to grow and prosper in the future as it has done in the past.
While it is mainly for that reason we take this opportunity to urge sportsmen and women to exercise their franchise Friday, there are also three important bylaws which will come up for decision that have a particular interest to the many thousands in the city who are interested in sport.
Major one of these is the proposed Memorial Recreation Centre and Exhibition. We have expressed our personal fueling on this $1,500,000 bylaw previously in this column.
However, for what it is worth, we'll again reiterate that we are strongly in favor of it while at the same time expressing the hope ratepayers will give the bylaw the necessary three-fifths majority required to put it over.
A new hockey rink and stadium will, we believe, be a great thin;, for Winnipeg. There is no question that it is not needed. The preesent sport facilities here have served their purpose. A modern arena and stadium is a necessity which cannot be measured in terms of cost.
We also feel Winnipeggers will be acting wisely if they give their blessing to the Community Centre and playgrounds bylaw. A total of $500.000 will take the kids off the street and put them into organized community sport and general activities. The amount of good that; money will do in molding the future man and women of Winnipeg is untold.
LET'S PUT THEM BOTH OVER
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:05:15 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER, 22, 1946
12 REASONS E.G. Gilliat Backs Memorial Park
Why should you vote for the $1,500,000 Memorial Recreation and Exhibition bylaw today?
E. C. Gilliat managing secretary of the Winnipeg board of trade, gave the matter a good deal of thought and found 12 reasons why he favors the bylaw. Here they are:
1. I believe in the future of Winnipeg,
2. Memorial park will be a continuing living tribute to those who gave their all.
3. Winnipeg needs the stadium and arena to round out its recreational facilities.
4. The annual exhibition will provide a much needed show window for agriculture and industry and enhance the prestige of Winnipeg in the mid-continent area.
5. The exhibition plant will promote understanding and goodwill by bringing town and country people together for a variety of annual events.
6. The entire project will be owned by the city, and all profits be invested in improvements for the benefit of the community at large.
7. The sports events and exhibitions of various types will attract tourists and visitors from far and wide, with material benefits to all citizens of Winnipeg and Manitoba.
8. The everyday use of the park and various buildings will constitute a great boon to the citizens of Greater Winnipeg, the value of which will increase as the city grows.
9. The site is excellent, easy of access and the well-balanced nature of the entire project argues well for its financial success.
10. The year-round activities centering in the project will create a big demand for a wide variety of goods and services, which will can more jobs.
11. As a taxpayer I am keen to make this investment in civic progress, knowing that a growing city means stable property values and a ready market for real estate.
12. The whole project is a timely and progressive step. Its realization will give an impetus to the growth of the city, stimulate civic pride, and serve notice that Winnipeggers have confidence in the future of their city.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:05:35 GMT -5
WINNIPEG SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1946
MEMORIAL PARK REJECTED Parks Board Bylaw, Daylight Saving Win
Daylight saving lime in Winnipeg during the summer months was endorsed by the electorate, the $500,000 parks board bylaw for recreation extension just made the grade, and the S1.500.000 bylaw for a Memorial Exhibition and Recreation centre was defeated in Friday's civic election.
In a complete reversal of its defeat in 1937 by a majority of 4.300, the daylight saving referendum was approved Friday by a majority of 26.124. A similar referendum was approved in Transcona Friday by a vote of 987 to 681.
Although there was a difference of almost 1000 in the votes for and against the war memorial centre bylaw—11.131 for and 10.299 against—the favorable vote still fell 3.337 short of the 13.636 required to carry it. as a money bylaw.
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Post by JETStender on Feb 7, 2009 18:05:58 GMT -5
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, TUESDAY," NOVEMBER 28, 1946
ONLY MINOR ERRORS FOUND Final Check Of Vote On Bylaws Completed
A final check of deputy returning officers' reports Tuesday morning by the city clerk's department found' only minor errors in the totals given Friday night on the three bylaws submitted to the electorate, and brought the official counting for 1946's civic election to a close.
Some .20 votes were added to the total in favor of the memorial centre $1,500,000 bylaw, which failed to even approach the 60 per cent quota required for a money bylaw. The vote now stands at 11,129 for and 10,301 against, with 1,361 rejected ballots.
As pointed out by Leslie Auit, city clerk, those 1,361 rejected ballots could not have affected the final result, even had they all been in favor of the memorial project. The total of favorable-votes would still not have reached the 60 per cent minimum, 13,636.
As indicated by the first returns Friday night, the daylight saving referendum was approved by a majority of two to one—46,428 for; 20,190 against, with 4,622 rejected ballots.
The $500,000 recreation bylaw barely won the 60 per cent, with 14,372 votes for, 7,405 against and 1,396 rejected ballots. In this case, the 60 per cent minimum was 13,864 votes
DAYLIGHT SAVING For Against Rejected
9,923 6,178 1,135
4,095 ; 6,381 1,344
2,410 . 7,631 2,143
MEMORIAL CENTRE 4,747 3,554 244
3,301 2,745 295
3,081 4,002 822
PARKS BOARD 6,046 2,376 262
4,097 ' 2,177 310
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