Comment 47493

By slodrive (registered) | Posted September 10, 2010 at 10:08:24

@Ryan

Hey Ryan - I definitely see your point about the stadium doing the most it possibly can for the city of Hamilton. But I really think we have trust Bob Young and his advisors -- even a teensy bit -- with regards to building a successful, viable stadium. I just think we really have to remember that, yes, building a stadium can provide a lot of clean-up opportunities to derelict areas, but if the place is a perennial failure with only 15-18,000 showing up for games, then it, too will be come part of the problem.

That doesn't mean that we simply cave and build a stadium at the airport with acres of parking. That, too, I believe will be a ghost-town on gameday. But, I, personally, have conceded that the West Harbour may be an ill-advised place to put a stadium. And that's fine. There are much better facilities for a waterfront than a large football stadium.

I'm not sold on any of these sites, but something like the MIP sure seems like it has a little something for everyone. I would much prefer elements of the MIP pushed towards downtown -- that's where the real city-building opportunity is. So, I really hope Mac isn't resistant to some land-swapping where possible. I really think the exposure the Ticats give to MIP can be a boon for them.

If anything, this debate has clearly shown what the Ticats mean to this city. They've become a bit of a lightning rod here -- perhaps, showing some of the intangible benefits they bring to our city and our identity. (Would this same debate be going if it were the location of the MIP being debated?? Doubt it.)

In this situation, I think we have to come to terms with this being the best option -- with obvious shortfalls. No site is going to be a slam dunk.

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