Post by Jari on Jan 24, 2008 8:38:34 GMT -5
'On board' for stadium, Toews says after meeting
Thu Jan 24 2008
By Martin Cash and Mary Agnes Welch
Manitoba senior minister Vic Toews says he's "on board" with a plan to build a new stadium -- as long as the project makes sense and meets funding criteria.
After months of pooh-poohing the proposal, Toews said Wednesday he supports David Asper's plan to build a new stadium and will look for sources of federal funding.
That follows a Monday meeting with the Canwest executive who is looking for $80 million in federal and provincial cash to build a new home for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
"I made it very clear to him that the funds would not come from the Building Canada Fund, which neither the province nor the city would want the funds to come out of," Toews said. "But in view of the fact there are Winnipeg MPs who have made this a priority for them, I am prepared to look for funds."
Earlier this month, Tory MP Joy Smith broke ranks and pledged her support for the project. She said she was committed to looking for other pots of money so the stadium wouldn't siphon off cash from the Building Canada infrastructure fund meant for roads and sewers.
On Monday, Asper sat down with Toews to update him on a new plan to put a $1.8-million inflatable dome over the turf so the stadium could be used by amateur athletes in the winter.
Before the meeting, Toews reiterated his long-time position -- that he'd rather spend federal money on roads and sewers. Later in the day, Asper revealed that Toews had pledged his personal support for the stadium project.
Asper has asked Ottawa and the province for $40 million each, an investment Premier Gary Doer has already said is too rich.
Toews said he and Asper discussed no specific numbers.
maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca
martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Thu Jan 24 2008
By Martin Cash and Mary Agnes Welch
Manitoba senior minister Vic Toews says he's "on board" with a plan to build a new stadium -- as long as the project makes sense and meets funding criteria.
After months of pooh-poohing the proposal, Toews said Wednesday he supports David Asper's plan to build a new stadium and will look for sources of federal funding.
That follows a Monday meeting with the Canwest executive who is looking for $80 million in federal and provincial cash to build a new home for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
"I made it very clear to him that the funds would not come from the Building Canada Fund, which neither the province nor the city would want the funds to come out of," Toews said. "But in view of the fact there are Winnipeg MPs who have made this a priority for them, I am prepared to look for funds."
Earlier this month, Tory MP Joy Smith broke ranks and pledged her support for the project. She said she was committed to looking for other pots of money so the stadium wouldn't siphon off cash from the Building Canada infrastructure fund meant for roads and sewers.
On Monday, Asper sat down with Toews to update him on a new plan to put a $1.8-million inflatable dome over the turf so the stadium could be used by amateur athletes in the winter.
Before the meeting, Toews reiterated his long-time position -- that he'd rather spend federal money on roads and sewers. Later in the day, Asper revealed that Toews had pledged his personal support for the stadium project.
Asper has asked Ottawa and the province for $40 million each, an investment Premier Gary Doer has already said is too rich.
Toews said he and Asper discussed no specific numbers.
maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca
martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca