As you are probably aware, the Newfoundland Growlers have opted out of the 2020/21 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While disappointing, it is quite understandable given the public health crises raging around the world, including North America, which is the base for the East Coast Hockey League teams.
I would hope that the Newfoundland Growlers shift their focus to the return to Mile One Centre for the 2021/22 season, and that many more people do the same, including at least the management of the facility if not the ownership of the building going forward. This is where the city comes into play.
The city is facing budgetary issues, including an ongoing subsidy of St. John’s Sports and Entertainment at taxpayers’ expense. A partnership management arrangement or the sale of Mile one would be a win-win for the city’s finances, St. John’s Sports and Entertainment and the city in general. It would allow the city to get rid of the subsidy, to balance its budget and allow funds to flow to other necessary projects to support the city and its residents.
A partnership management arrangement or the sale of Mile one would be a win-win for the city’s finances, St. John’s Sports and Entertainment and the city in general.
Businessman Dean MacDonald’s vision for Mile One, with tangible upgrades and partnerships with the entertainment industry, would improve and enhance the downtown core, create employment and create spinoff revenue to accommodations, restaurants, taxis and shops to name a few. This would lead to additional revenues (gains) for the city instead of subsidies (losses).
Shouldn’t a city that claims to be vibrant, progressive and a good place to live, do business and raise a family be more than some basic services (garbage and snow removal)? The city needs to be alive with things to see and do.
These businesses and the city have struggled through much of 2020 with the loss of revenue due to Snowmageddon and COVID-19. The city should be trying to help as much as it can and support a local businessman’s vision for the city instead of being an obstacle.
I would strongly encourage the council members and St. John’s Sports and Entertainment to work in partnership with MacDonald in a timely manner for the betterment of all residents of St. John’s.
Roger Haynes
St. John’s
