Jumpstart Day Charity helps children take part in organized sports. Page 7 Costly venture B.C. Ferries’ CEO says taxpayers getting a good deal. Page 10 Passion ignited VIU student’s experiences lead her to help others. Page 3
Fast start to season Page 11
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SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2013
VOL. 25, NO. 8
NANAIMO
On the job training
Const. Clay Wurzinger and police dog Boomer run through a training exercise at Supreme Self Storage Wednesday. Nanaimo RCMP are partnering with local businesses that allow police K-9 units to train on their properties. For more on the program, please see page 3. CHRIS BUSH THe NewS BUlleTIN
Council up to speed on multiplex options
I
MAYOR HASN’T seen much community support for project. By TOBy gOrman The NewS BULLeTiN
Nanaimo city council now has in its lap information on how other mid-sized multiplexes in B.C. function, how much they cost, and how they’re operated. City staff spent more than a month probing other municipalities with multi-event centres to gain a better understanding
of how one might fit in Nanaimo after representatives from the Western Hockey League, RG Properties, which leases Victoria’s Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and owns the Victoria Royals, and the Nanaimo Clippers approached mayor and council to discuss building one here. The WHL has expressed interest in starting a Nanaimo franchise, but league policy requires a host community has a minimum 4,500-seat arena. Frank Crane Arena has a 2,900 seat capacity. The idea of a multiplex has
circulated for years, and in 2004 Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan suggested looking into a multiplex, not necessarily to build immediately, but simply for information. With the adoption of the 2012 Corporate Strategic Plan, a multiplex would meet several priorities including waterfront enhancement and community building partnerships, among others. Council, however, has yet to show any enthusiasm. “I think we’ll have to call a meeting, sit down with all of
council and ask ‘what are your thoughts?’” said Mayor John Ruttan. “I don’t know where it’s going, I haven’t seen an overwhelming indication of council or community support.” To gain an idea of cost and scope, the city talked with CEI Architecture, which advised a 5,000-seat facility, with parking, would cost around $50 million, depending on site, land and servicing costs. A feasibility study on its own would cost $150,000. In B.C. there are 11 mid-sized event centres that meet WHL standards, including Prince
George, Kelowna, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Chilliwack and Victoria, with operating subsidies ranging from $232,000 to $1.9 million. In Victoria, the municipality carries the $30 million carrying cost on its facility, with lease payments of $250,000 made by RG Properties. Chilliwack’s Prospera Centre, however, might be the closest comparable situation Nanaimo can relate to. The 5,000-seat (6,000 for concerts) arena opened in 2004 and in 2005, it was announced that the city would be getting a WHL team. u See ‘CAPITAL’ /5
To celebrate the opening of our new state of the art building, Laird Wheaton is giving away a brand new 2013 Chevrolet Spark!!
GUARANTEED FREE GIVEAWAY!!
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