City awaits big news coming this afternoon

sonja

- July 21, 2010 at 08:04:15

just another way for the gov't and it merry men to line their pockets . like the rounda bouts we dont need . who cares what the people want ? that doesnt even count . what about the cruise ships that come in , basically it is a govt funded tour company that is getting all the fares. the little guy trying to make a living is not even considered .one company ,who owns another tour company who gets money from the gov't ,get all the tourists from those ships . its all who is related to who and who you know . it will never change ,just get crooked all the more.

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Old Guy

- July 20, 2010 at 11:08:15

Here we go again spending big money to follow another pipe dream that will benefit only the developers and tourism promoters. After a while the convention center will be turned over to a private concern because it will be losing money and the tax payer will be on the hook for mega bucks. If only our politicians could put the same effort into supporting the provinces main industries such as agriculture,fishery etc , many more islanders would be able to prosper...not just those politically connected. It is said that a private project management firm receives 6% off the top of all government contracts they manage. What ever happened to Public Works?? Do we not have the right people in place to manage government contracts as a civil servant, a person who is sworn to work in the greater public interest. Guess there is more flexibility in funding when you are not accountable!!

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Richard A. Chase

- July 20, 2010 at 10:53:59

Can it be made of glass so the folks can see the water, instead of just more brick walls?

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Wayne MacKinnon

- July 20, 2010 at 09:56:39

My concern here is with the world economy going back into recession, is this a good time to incur this kind of debt or would there not be better places to invest this capital? The taxpayers of Canada are presently taxed into personal debt now,guaranteeing an expenditure like this is like playing Russian roulette with the future generations,who will be left with this debt. My personal opinion is, this money would be better spent on ensuring all islanders will have food security,health care,and an adequately funded education system in the future. The Keynesian economic model being promoted in Canada is flawed, we cannot continues to borrow money,bail out the auto industry/banks,and spend ourselves out of this world economic crisis we are facing now. Personal debt for most Canadians has risen past the point of no return,when interest rates rise, a lot of my country men and woman will find themselves filing for bankruptcy. Canadians are going to be facing hyperinflation in our economy within the next several years and corporations will not afford conventions. Look around now and it is easy to see the number of tourists coming here is down this year here on PEI.It is an indicator of the economic times here in Canada and the United States. Do not hold hope out that this convention centre is going to flood the streets and roads of PEI with visitors loaded down with money in their pockets to help Island businesses. It will benefit the ones who own the restaurants and hotels in the general vicinity,but the average Joe here will be left with an underfunded healthcare and education system. We need production of electricity,goods and services that will generate good paying jobs and create a tax base capable of looking after the needs of all Islanders. Our elected officials are only concerned about building their legacy;when they leave office they are already connected to the gravy train.

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nonsense

- July 20, 2010 at 09:26:14

Anyone who thinks the lack of a convention centre is why there are few conventions here has been smoking something. In the summer, when there are few conventions, people will go to resorts. And in the winter, yah, Charlottetown's a wonderful destination, and easy to get to. These things are typically white elephants. Boston's new centre is underperforming - AND there's a 5% surcharge on tours, hotels, and restaurants to help fund it. Chicago's McCormick place has just changed its union rules and rates. Sorry folks, these are white elephants, and the taxpayers will be left holding the bag, while the contractors, developers and others get their subsidies.

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