Stadium cost will top $160M: mayor

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This article was published 10/11/2010 (5797 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – Mayor Sam Katz says the cost of building a new football stadium at the University of Manitoba will be higher than the $160 million figure presented to project stakeholders last week.

Speaking to reporters outside his office at city hall Wednesday morning, Katz said the projected cost of the new home for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is even higher now that the city, province, the Winnipeg Football Club, the University of Manitoba and developer Creswin Properties have had a chance to mull over the tender results.

Katz suggested all parties are now negotiating with construction firms in an effort to drive down the price. He would not say whether Creswin will still be involved in a stadium-building deal, suggesting that decision would be up to company chairman David Asper.

Katz said it’s not up to him to reveal the precise number for the stadium, noting all parties must do that together. He said it would not be prudent to rush into a new deal simply to get it done before the Manitoba Legislature sits next week.

The mayor also suggested the Winnipeg Football Club will have a role in paying for the stadium, as it may tack a facility fee on Bomber tickets at the new stadium. That decision would be up to the club, he said.

Entertainment taxes are already levied on Bomber tickets. The proceeds are used to retire what’s left of a debt to the former Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation.

Speaking to reporters today, Premier Greg Selinger said officials are still going over tenders to arrive at a final cost.

He would not comment on reports that cost has gone beyond $160 million to $180 million and even $200 million.

Selinger also said there is no rush to get a new deal before next Tuesday’s throne speech, in which the NDP government outlines its plans for the final year of its mandate before the Oct. 4, 2011 general election.

Coverage of the stadium cost-overruns have dominated local media this week and without a concise resolution before Tuesday the new stadium will dominate next week, despite the government’s attempts to showcase its track record of 11 years in power and what intends for the coming year.