Say YES to Stadium Renovation

I announced it last night, and again this morning. After several months of review, and research, I have come to the conclusion that the only financially responsible thing for me to do, as Mayor, is to pursue a $5.8M (2008 figure) renovation to the existing Mosaic Stadium. I feel it is essential that at least one candidate take a firm stance on this issue, in order to give taxpayers that are dead-set against a new stadium in it's current version, an option to vote for on October 24. I have made it very well known since day one of my campaign that I would entertain the stadium option if the numbers made sense. After months of review, I have come tot he conclusion that, at this point in time, they simply don't. There are far too many unknowns and too many financial and social needs and risks to take on a project of this magnitude at this time. We have a $293M pension deficit, $150M waste water treatment plant, and a massive infrastructure deficit in the billions of dollars, that need attention first and foremost.

My long term plan and vision does include a new, retractable roof, domed stadium, but only when the proper funding model and finances are in order. We don't have the right funding model right now, and I feel strongly, that in 15-20 years time, it will be much more attainable. For those that argue the prices would skyrocket by then, that is simple economics. That is why there is a cost of living index. Everything goes up in time, that should never be justification to "do it now", especially when it is a luxury item that we already have a very good version of in existence.

Please read my media release below for more details, and if you want any questions answered, please feel free to email or tweet me @Chad4Mayor.

See you on the campaign trail!

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2012

CHAD NOVAK SAYS NO TO REFERENDUM AND YES TO STADIUM RENOVATION

Regina – In what has become one of the most heated issues in Regina’s history, the Regina Revitalization Initiative, one Regina Mayoral Candidate isn’t afraid to lay his cards on the table. Chad Novak announced today that he no longer feels a referendum is necessary, saying that a renovation to Mosaic Stadium is now his preferred choice if he is elected Mayor on October 24. Novak stated the reason for this firm stance is because of a 2008 CBC report (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2008/04/09/fiacco-stadium.html ), where Mayor Pat Fiacco is quoted as saying “I don’t think there’s an appetite for a new stadium here. I think there’s fans that would love to see a new stadium, but we have to look at the financial realities and what we have. The City of Regina does not have the dollars to build a new stadium.” In that report, Fiacco stated that it would take about $5.8 million in improvements which would include better washrooms, seats and other improvements. These are the main concerns that Novak has heard on the campaign trail, even from the most die-hard “pro-stadium” residents, and feels this is the most financially responsible solution for the short term.

Novak also feels that taxpayers are being misled, in order to support the building of a new stadium. “What concerns me about the numbers that have been floating around out there, is that we are being told about how it will cost $150M+ to renovate. It’s obvious by this report that is simply not the case.” Novak noted that in the 2009 Feasibility Study, conducted by the Province of Saskatchewan, there were two renovation options identified, one for $1-6 million, and one for $109 million. “It is obvious that the City of Regina is using the higher cost renovation option to justify their position to build new, instead of looking at the lower cost renovation option.” From the report, it is not clear as to what would be included in a $109 million renovation.

As the election date inches closer, Novak feels that taking a strong stance on the Stadium is critical. “There are no other candidates that have said, hands down, they don’t want to go ahead with the current project in any way at the current time.” Novak is firm in his stance, and believes that to be a fiscally responsible mayor, he must think long term and develop a financial strategy in order to build a retractable roof domed facility in 15-20 years time. Some ideas that Novak is considering are fundraising drives, lotteries, ticket and destination surcharges and private funding. He would also like to hear ideas from the taxpayers of Regina for other ideas that they may have. Novak feels that this will put Regina in a much better financial position to afford the needs of today, as well as the wants of tomorrow.

For more information, contact:

Chad Novak for Mayor of Regina

Regina, Saskatchewan

Email: chadnovak2012@gmail.com

Website: novak2012.blogspot.com  

Phone:   (306) 596-7685