'We're digesting this:' Home Ice Campaign concerned over revival of arena funding debate

A motion to walk back $3 million in funding for the University of Saskatchewan’s new arena project has fundraisers concerned about the process.
 
Ward 1 Councillor Darren Hill brought forward notice of motion to delay the funding for Merlis Belsher Place at council’s March 27 meeting.
 
The motion was made in light of a potential $11.4 million budget hole for the city from the provincial budget, with Hill suggesting the funding should be considered during the city’s own budget process.
 
But Home Ice Campaign Co-Chair Tim Hodgson said there has already been an extensive debate on the issue.
 
“We’re digesting this and trying to wrap our minds around it,” he told 650 CKOM.
 
Hodgson noted the funding was approved in February after over three hours of discussion, including a failed motion by Hill to defer the funding to budget time. 
 
Ultimately, the $3 million was approved by a 6-5 vote.
 
“A majority carried the vote… notwithstanding the fact that everybody on council knew and expected a very difficult provincial budget to come down,” Hodgson said.
 
He added the removal of the funding would leave the Home Ice Campaign short of their $29 million fundraising goal. 
 
The U of S has told the campaign they need to be close before construction on the $41-million arena can begin construction.
 
ANOTHER SPLIT VOTE EXPECTED
 
Councillor Hill indicated Tuesday the motion was brought forward after hearing concerns from council colleagues over the funding, in light of the budget crunch from the province.
 
The Feb. 27 vote was close, with Mayor Charlie Clark and councillors Randy Donauer, Zach Jeffries, Troy Davies, Bev Dubois and Sarina Gersher voting in favour.
 
Councillors Hill, Hilary Gough, Cynthia Block, Mairin Loewen and Ann Iwanchuk voted against the funding after failed attempts to reduce or defer it.
 
CKOM asked councillors where they stood on Hill’s new motion. Everyone who responded insisted their positions on the matter had not changed.
 
Coun. Gersher and Coun. Gough were the only ones who didn’t respond.
 
Ward 5 Coun. Randy Donauer said the provincial budget shouldn’t be a reason to defer the funding.
 
“It’s either $4 million to partner with the university and build this, or it’s $20 million on our own,” he said, accounting for the $1 million in municipal grants already funding the U of S project.
 
“And now that we have less money, we need deals as much as we can.”
 
The university has committed to provide 1,500 hours of ice time access per year to Saskatoon’s minor hockey community at the new rink.
 
There is also planned community access to two gymnasiums being incorporated into the arena project.