Full steam ahead for new arena

With only Ward 6 Councillor Frank Manzo opposed, Sault Ste. Marie City Council voted last night to proceed with its arena-replacement project under a revised funding formula.

"They're making the place broke. They're going to bankrupt the City," Manzo said after his colleagues voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new multi-use spectator facility.

Councillors learned last night that substantial community support is developing for the project.

Mayor John Rowswell disclosed that both Algoma Steel and Algoma Tubes make structural products that could be used in the roof of the new building, and both companies have agreed in principle to help out.

The Soo Greyhounds have committed support to the new facility.

Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland is trying to broker a deal with local building trades under which unions would agree to wage deductions for workers employed building the new arena.

And the Tourism Sault Ste. Marie arm of the Economic Development Corporation is preparing a proposal under which it would become a major partner of the new arena/entertainment venue.

There's even talk of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie moving into the new building from its present home at the Civic Centre.

Last night, Council authorized the Arena Study Review Committee to identify and select an architectural firm to develop a building design, and to start negotiations with O&Y/SMG, the Toronto company that's been designated as the preferred operator of the new facility.

Some councillors, however, are still pressing for a local operator.

The $21-million project includes a $7-million 'private sector' contribution to be funded as follows:

- $1.5 million from the 2003 City surplus - $1 million from GST rebates from 2004, 2005 and 2006 - $1 million from a capital allocation - $1 million from local contributions - $1.34 million from future City allocations - $1.16 million from an additional contribution from higher levels of government (provincial/federal)