Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite Message Board

It requires that taxpayers demand that our city make some tough choices by weeding out some very questionable city operations.

A recent editorial attempts to rationalize that money-losing ventures are beneficial "loss-leaders" to a community? What, are you serious?

Sorry, our city is not a business-oriented tourist operation but rather it exists to provide efficient services to all taxpayers as a prime directive.

In this editorial, our Shania Twain Centre is identified as one that brings in "spin-off" money to our fine city.

Really? Who benefits when 30 odd people show up for the annual STC homecoming? Two motels and restaurants, it's embarrassing.

While it may attract a few people to visit, this multi-million dollar edifice was a poor investment that does not benefit Timmins to any measurable degree.

Now, when it comes to our only remaining historical edifice, the McIntyre Arena, things become much more interesting.

A public committee was formed to establish a plan for its future, neither of our TEDC or administration provided constructive input. Odd?

This is a venture that could some day result in a major junior hockey team to come to Timmins. Other sports too, now you're talking!

We remember thousands of people would head out and pay to see our North Stars play very entertaining hockey on weekends at the McIntrye. The spinoffs were clearly evident and the cash registers were ringing loudly all around our city!

Will taxpayers support this committee and plan? Yes.

I would suggest that this fundraising would be easier than say for a museum or drama or symphony or library. Is the library paid off yet?

The McIntyre Arena certainly would provide much more draw than our little used Shania Twain Centre because thousands of taxpayers and city businesses would ultimately benefit.

Why, because recreation has a broader exposure to substantially more taxpayers which should be the determining factor for taxpayer support.

The STC should be converted into our museum and multi-faceted attraction with a brighter future. Taxpayers would also avoid the multi-million dollar cost to replace the museum/arts centre. Efficient services, remember!

Taxpayers are fed up with funding these "loss-leader" ventures to supposedly increase Tourism with questionable benefits for cash-strapped and fixed income taxpayers in general.

Continue to let the city hear it loud and clear!

T. J. McGlynn,

Timmins

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