Regina: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is lamenting the multi-million dollar tax increase expected to pay for a new $61 million multiplex in Moose Jaw.

"Although the civic centre left something to be desired, the process to replace it has brought the worst possible result," said Lee Harding, Saskatchewan Director for the CTF. "City council's approach dragged out the process, increased costs, drove up taxes, and defied the limitations set by its own plebiscite. All this means a green light for a bitterly divisive project expected to cost almost $20 million more than voters were told during the 2006 civic election."

On Monday the 17th, the multiplex steering committee said Moose Jaw taxpayers would have to cough up another $19.5 million in addition to the $15 million already committed, for a grand total of $34.5 million. Federal and provincial governments would add about $8.4 million each, with another $10 million to come from community fundraising.

"There's great reason to be skeptical of the $61 million figure," Harding said. "In the October 2006 plebiscite, Moose Jaw taxpayers voted yes to $15 million towards a $41 million project. Soon, they found out that city administrators knew at least nine days before that vote that the price might really be $63 million. That's bad enough. But are Moose Jaw residents really supposed to believe that almost two years later the real price will be just $61 million

"It's regrettable that the increased costs will place a substantial burden on Moose Jaw taxpayers," said Harding. "However, provincial and federal governments should not add another red cent to a project that was bungled by the City of Moose Jaw."