Senior Manitoba MP Vic Toews says he’s excited about the prospects of a new stadium for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers now that it’s possible the stadium could be built somewhere other than Polo Park.
VIDEO: Leaders comment on stadium plan
Toews, who had previously been lukewarm to a stadium proposal put forward by David Asper, said he is fully supportive of the idea of federal cash for a new stadium if the facility is about more than just sports.
Locations being floated include the parking lots south of the Winnipeg Convention Centre and industrial land in Point Douglas.
Toews said it was Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz’s idea to place the stadium in an inner-city location, but Katz declined to reveal specifics.
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, meanwhile, said it’s never too late to consider these other locations, as no deal has formally been signed.
Sources at all three levels of government have said a deal to build a new stadium is almost complete.
The last-minute change in the game plan pitched by Asper comes as sources say an announcement involving the government funding is expected soon.
Asper's proposal has always targeted a site next to the existing Canad Inn Stadium near Polo Park for a new state-of-the art facility, which would be joined by a retail development.
Asper was spotted at the Manitoba legislature Thursday, coming out of a private meeting with Premier Gary Doer and Mayor Sam Katz.
Asper, who's pushed for a new stadium for more than a year, declined to comment on the latest developments.
"All I can tell you is that I just keep slugging along trying to get the deal done," he said.
However, the fact Asper is preparing to kick his smoking habit is one of the clearest signs an announcement on a new stadium is just around the corner.
"He says he's going to miss his cigarettes this summer, which means things are close," said one insider.
Bombers president and chief executive officer Lyle Bauer, a cancer survivor, has for a while been harping on Asper to quit smoking.
In reply, Asper told Bauer he'll quit when the stadium deal is done.
The stumbling block all along on the new stadium has been federal funding. But that hurdle appears to have been recently cleared as there are indications Asper has secured a federal commitment for the cash he needs. It's possible a shovel could be in the ground this year to see the stadium ready for the 2010 Canadian Football League season.
Asper's initial vision laid out to fans, taxpayers and politicians in bold blueprints, called for a $120-million stadium to be funded with $40 million from his own funds, $40 million by the province and $40 million by Ottawa, with the city throwing in the land and other amenities.
Asper would also spend a further $25 million on surrounding retail development.
In return, he'd take over ownership of the team.
However, rising construction costs have pushed that initial price tag much higher.
Asper will give fans a chance to experience the comfortable seating he wants for the new stadium in a special "Getting it Done" construction zone for this season's June 27 home opener against the Toronto Argonauts.
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