The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) issued an open letter today to Mayor Katz and Premier Selinger that included eight important questions that need to be answered about the stadium project.
 
The questions included:
 
1) Why is it that City Hall holds open houses before it builds small things like bike paths, but neither the city nor the province is involving taxpayers in discussions about the new $160 million+ stadium project?

2) The Winnipeg Sun reported that Creswin Properties would be compensated millions if it is asked to walk away from the project. What is the specific amount and terms of that agreement?

3) The stadium project moved forward based on cost estimates by Creswin that were at least 39% lower than actual costs. Will Creswin compensate taxpayers for damages? (eg. cost overruns, potential cost of having to fill in the giant hole at the UofM should the existing stadium be repaired, etc.)

4) Will both governments disclose all documents pertaining to the deal?

5) The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) required Creswin to provide a performance bond or completion insurance for the stadium project. Did they provide such a bond/insurance?
 
If no, why not?
If yes, are the city and province going to pursue the safeguard to protect taxpayers?
 
6) The city claims it has a $7.4 billion infrastructure deficit. Where is it getting the money to pay for a new stadium?

7) From 2009-2013, the province expects to rack up $2 billion in deficits (p.10). Where will the money come from for a new stadium?

8) If a business moves from one part of the city to the Polo Park stadium site, how is that economic development and/or creating “new” tax dollars?
 
 
“Taxpayers have been kept in the dark all along on this project and look what’s happened,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “If taxpayers are going to have to pay for the project, politicians need to consult with them prior to moving forward. While politicians have rejected a referendum on this project in the past, at the very least the government should hold an open house.”
 
Click here to view the open email.