As to the event centre, it is my understanding that the only argument for it was to improve the city's economy.
It seems to me that if the city were to cut corporate taxes by 50 per cent for the next five years, with an increase to 75 per cent of current levels after that, we would see a massive influx of big business and manufacturing, along with research outlets, as corporations are always looking for a low tax venue.
The added tax revenue from these companies moving into Thunder Bay would more than make up the shortfall from the decrease.
Yes, things would be tight for the next few years, but things are already tight. I would guestimate, however, that within that five-year period there would be enough tax revenue, both from the added corporate tax base and the residential from people moving in for the jobs, there would be enough tax revenue to buy the event centre without having to juggle the books and penalize the people, over half of whom are unlikely to make use of the centre.
While I agree that the city is nearly due for a newer centre, I neither agree on the location: Innova Park is much better suited for a venue such as this, nor the method's a payment: Scrimp a little here, screw a little there, push the agenda through regardless of what people actually want.
We keep being told that in five years it will cost an additional $20 million. That we need the centre to provide construction jobs. Waiting five years, however, could with proper management provide all of that, and more.
Thunder Bay currently is a dying city: People are migrating away to where the jobs are. What if people were to migrate in because this is where the jobs are?
I am sure that there are down sides to this scheme, but I honestly cannot see any aside from what is already happening: Not upgrading and improving infrastructure. And that should last another five years.
I would hope.
Geoff Sutton,
Thunder Bay
