The last of four MultiPlex Forums sees constructive criticism. A positive change after a forum that featured personal attacks the week before.

 

The future of the Warriors, our city, and our youth.

Just three topics that were touched on Wednesday night at the final multiplex forum held at Prince Arthur School.

One concerned resident at the forum supported the project but questioned what kind of guarantee do we have that the Warriors won't be pulled from the city in 5 or 10 years.

Warrior's President Darren Chow addressed the question and reassured those in attendance. "In terms of a guarantee there's nothing on paper saying that the team will be here for the next ten years but the commissioner of the league has undertaken to us that if we have a building that meets the league's minimum standards and if the franchise continues to be viable, the league will not be moving this team anywhere."

The WHL has stated that the future of the team is in jeopardy unless a new facility is constructed or major renovations to the Civic Centre are completed.

A running theme at these forums has been location. While residents are in support of the project, location is something that isn't even close to being decided.

Barry Heron spoke in favour of the project but had this suggestion when it came to location. "Take your mall and put it downtown and then you've got all your stores together, rip the mall down and build it there. Now that might be a joke but I like the idea because you've got the golf course and you've got a good view."

Another resident to discuss location was Lew McNamee who questioned downtown. "I understand all of the buildings between High and Manitoba and between 1st and 2nd will be demolished. I'm a little concerned because... there's at least 8 people living in those buildings. They're low income people and what are you going to do with them?"

With this being the final forum on the MultiPlex project, City Administration will prepare a report for council on what was said at the meetings over the last two months. If you were unable to get out to a forum, or were just to shy to step in front of the microphone, you still have a chance to voice an opinion. Questionnaires are available at City Hall or you can call the MultiPlex Hotline at 694-4482.

We vote on the project October 25th.