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My Idea For a Better Project 85
By John Mohan
It's called Project 85, named after Winnipeg Blue Bomber Milt Stegall's
jersey number. Citizens are abuzz and politicians are aflutter with talk
of one of Winnipeg's largest development projects ever -- and in, of all
places, Point Douglas. Spearheaded by media mogul and philanthropist David
Asper, the city-altering vision is pegged to cost roughly $400 million.
Manitobans and tourists will look forward to a new Blue Bomber stadium
(long overdue). A second year-round indoor water park (an embarrassment
of riches after not ever having any). A hotel complex (we can always use
another one). And more retail space (we'll be a better city for having
more places to buy things).
Mayor Sam Katz has already signed a memorandum of understanding and city
councillor Mike Pagtakhan is beaming but not everyone is happy about the
proposal. First there's the "we should address all the infrastructure
issues before building anything new" crowd. But infrastructure is
not static and there will always be something that needs to be fixed. However, if we waited until all roads and sewers were repaired or improved,
a project of this magnitude would and could never occur.
Second is the "it shouldn't involve taxpayers' money" group.
According to the released version of the proposal, Asper is only asking
for about 10% public funding, meaning $40 million, which doesn't sound
like much if you say it fast.
Lastly is the "Not in My Back Yard" (NIMBY) lobby, which is
usually targeted at service providers for the less fortunate. Many Point Douglas residents agree the development project is a good idea
and that Winnipeg needs it, but don't want it in their neighbourhood. There
are legitimate and serious concerns.
One questions how a high-traffic major
venue will change the community. Another fear is housing losses. The 20-hectare
(50 acres) development will reduce housing options in one of the most affordable
areas to purchase or rent in the city. As a taxpayer, I'm personally ambivalent
about where the project is developed (as long as it's not in my literal
backyard), but I'm largely for us going ahead with Project 85, including
using some taxpayer dollars.
But as a social activist, I offer an addendum. If I were in charge, I'd require that, because the venture carries a request
for government funding and to some degree affects or diminishes Winnipeg's
affordable housing stock, any proposal must include a social housing component
for housing-challenged inner-city less fortunate.
For example, the developers attach an affordable housing project equal
to 1% of the total project. If my math is correct, a $400-million venture
would mean an additional $4 million component to build an apartment building
for low-income residents. An affordable housing complex that is well built,
with good security and onsite support services, would be a great asset
to the entire development project and the community of Point Douglas.
One per cent is not a big cost increase and shouldn't be a deal breaker
to Asper, but it does bring a vision and consideration to benefit the broadest
segments of our community.
Seems like a sound idea to me. But then again, I'm not a politician or
commercial developer.
Originally printed in the Winnipeg Sun,
Thursday, July 3, 2008.
Reprinted with the permission of Sun Media Corporation.
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