Interesting News

Here are some more news tidbits for your information:

MORE NEWS FROM AFAR

Nice to see that the Windsor Star is picking up stories about Windsor from its sister publication in Regina. The story in the Star "We'll work, but won't settle in West" is based on the Leader-Post article "Windsor mayor confident commute idea will work."

I must admit that on such an important story I would have thought that the Windsor Star would do the reporting. But it appears that they're not going to do so because they know as well as you and I that the Mayor is not serious. Why waste the reporter's time on something that's never going to happen.

How do I know that this project is nothing more than filling up space in newspapers. Remember our action oriented Mayor... that didn't last for long:

• "He said his city plans a survey to find out how many people are already travelling to work out of province, who else might be interested and their areas of expertise."

Another study, probably hiring another consultant who is skilled in workers commuting and wasting more money and time.

Typical.

Oh and by the way... the Star forgot to add this line in the story:

• Stewart, who also met with business groups in Windsor last week, has acknowledged that the Saskatchewan government wants to grow the population -- not just attract part-time residents to fill a labour need.
  
  "I was blunt with Mayor Francis about this -- we hope that many of those people will decide to move here and continue to work in Saskatchewan," Stewart said upon returning from southern Ontario."

GREENLINK NEWS

Whatever happened to Greenlink? It just seems to have disappeared.

I am certain that you have seen the ad in the Star stating that the DRIC Public Information Open Houses will take place on June 18, the same day that I predicted that the Governments would make the announcement about the new bridge and plaza.

If true, I can't figure out that timing unless they really want to focus people's thinking on the road rather than the bridge.

In any event, we are not getting Greenlink or the DRIC Road. If you think we are, then you need only look at Sarnia where there is no environmental assessment on the expansion of Highway 402:

• "Public opposition to the expansion of Highway 402 appears to be gaining momentum just as Ontario starts detailed design work.
  
  More than 400 people, including four members of city council, have signed an online petition calling on the Environment Ministry undertake a full environmental assessment, in hopes the project will be abandoned...
  
  Bailey said he's aware of the petitions and will fulfill his obligation as MPP by presenting them to the government.
  
  However, "The horse has left the barn," he said. "I believe that with the right checks and balances, the expansion can be environmentally responsible."
  
  Two more highway lanes will improve traffic flow across the bridge, cut down on idling trucks and assist trade, he said."

E C ROW CONSTRUCTION

I wonder if someone could actually tell us what work is being done on the Expressway and why. Here is what was said:

• "We are taking pre-emptive steps to fix bridges before we have serious issues with them," said Mike Palanacki, executive director of public works. The 40-year-old E.C. Row expressway bridges are corroding because of exposure to road salt, he said."

However, I have had several people contact me and suggest that what they see happening is the beginning of an expansion of the Expressway by another lane in each direction. Why would that be you might ask? Here's what Mr. Pupatello said a number of years ago:

• "Windsor Star 12-20-2003
  Huron Church backup plan "Unfortunately upgrades to Huron Line will take two to three years, so we need a backup plan where trucks will go," Pupatello said. "(E.C. Row) may need to be part of a temporary measure. They have to go somewhere."

Wouldn't it be nice to know for once what the truth really is and to end rumours and speculation.

AUDIT THE ARENA

The 400 Building is starting to smell more and more. Back in February, 2006 the following was reported:

• "Skorobohacz said the project came in under budget and the city will have an extra $1 million, based on projected revenues and operating expenses."

Even the contractor wrote to the Star and said

• "After much speculation, allegations and innuendoes, it is vindicating to read in The Star report of Feb. 7 that the municipal building at 400 City Hall Square was constructed under budget."

It is now June, 2008. Can you please explain to me how this is possible? Apparently, there are

• "outstanding issues surrounding construction of the 400 building in City Hall Square, adding more than $1 million to its price tag."

This doesn't make any sense to me at all. It makes it all the more urgent for us to see the initial audit report prepared by Mr. Dunbar on the Audit of the building even if the final one is not finished yet.

Here is a scary part about all of this and has nothing to do with the 400 building. Remember what I wrote before:

• "Here is what is even more troubling about all of this. The Report that was presented to Council about the project claimed:
  
  "City council hired in 2006 its own independent consultant, who reported the building was constructed under budget and meets the city's objective of consolidating many government services under one roof."
  
  I expect that this report was a justification for the City going alone on the East End Arena and being responsible for the project. If the Fleet Operations and 400 building audits give rise to concerns then who knows what is going on with respect to the Arena and whether it is being managed properly or not. I just do not know the answer."

DO DEAD MAN BUILD ARENAS

Remember the story:

• "The city will explore the possibility of moving up the opening date of its new arena, at a projected extra cost of at least $500,000.
  
  Originally planned to open in January, the $64-million, 6,500-seat WFCU Centre could open in September, arena steering committee members have been told. That's because part of the 302,000-square-foot complex on McHugh Street will be ready by then, parks and recreation director Don Sadler said Thursday."

We were not told the reason why the opening date might have to be moved up. However, it appears that our Arena geniuses did not consider that if the Arena opened in January, 2009 groups would have booked their ice time elsewhere. The Arena would lose big bucks being empty for months:

• "J. Wilson is concerned that in 2009 half of the pads could be empty when groups book elsewhere and don't sign on to the new facility. She adds that the business case presumed a full year of operation. She can prepare a report for various operations based on concerns and look at nine pads, closing both Riverside and Adstoll.
  
  
  Mayor Francis asks what it would take to speed up the completion of the main bowl and complete the entire facility in September, 2008. D. Sadler reports that it would cost approximately $500,000, the cost being over time."

There are some significant legal issues about opening the Arena prematurely. Our Mayor/lawyer stated:

• "there are a number of case laws that work against the City and a number of risks in relation to the liability if the entire project is not complete and early occupancy occurs...
  
  M. Dubin agrees with the inherent risk factor, and realizes that there is pressure from community groups, as well as the cost of running the older buildings."

I don't know about you but I am very suspicious about that half million dollar cost and wonder exactly what it covers. After all, dead men don't build arenas.