Dear Mayor Katz/Premier Selinger,
 
I am writing to you today to request answers to a number of questions that pertain to the stadium project.
 
This is an open email that will be posted on our web site. I hope that you will be able to respond to the questions in a timely manner so that our supporters and other interested taxpayers can learn more about the project and contact your respective offices with their thoughts.
 
1) Why is it that City Hall holds open houses before it proceeds with small projects 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?
 
Thank you for considering these questions.