If the suggestion to make the donations came from the Premier, you’re right that the board chairpersons might have felt pressured to proceed with the donation. That’s different than the entire boards being directly forced to do so — if the donations were completely not feasible, the board members would have the power and duty to donate a smaller amount or nothing at all, as is their job.

Having said that, I am not particularly concerned if the Premier makes such a suggestion to a board — as I noted in my blog, crowns are there to achieve social ends and donating a relatively small amount to an important and high-profile project fits well within their mandate.

Despite my non-alarm, your point on crowns having donation policies or guidelines (maybe they already have?) is very well taken.

On the issue of anonymity, you’re right that one would have thought the crown sponsors would have wanted to get better mileage out of their donations in the form of recognition. However, supporting the community doesn’t always mean having to get high-profile recognition, and the crowns likely sensed that some people would try to make this a political issue (and, in hindsight, they were right). In any event, I think that not seeking recognition for donations made is aside from the central issue of whether or not the donations are appropriate in the first place.

Proud & Unapologetic Ex-Winnipegger’s point on Winnipeg’s other attractions is an important one — no one wants to see the CMHR duke it out with other attractions for funding or visitors, so that one’s gain is another’s loss. I do know that the Manitoba Museum and other attractions are working closely with the CMHR, with the belief that they’ll be sharing pieces of a growing tourism pie. I know from my travels that attractions in other cities often work together through such things as joint marketing and entrance fees and transportation links between attractions. I’m sure that the CMHR is looking at models used elsewhere in its planning.

If prices do rise in the next few years to the $2.25 level as predicted recently by CIBC economists, then I think you’ll see some significant shifts in behaviour.

Second, the structure seems to have a major glass component - R (insulation) values for glass are nowhere near as high as those of insulated walls. While this may make for a great aesthetic, it may well drive up the costs of heating not to mention increased consumption of natural gas/fossil fuels.

If most of the attendance comes from “online” and “virtual” visits, will this and now the proposed UFG site further strain Winnipeg’s ability to fund existing gems like Assiniboine Park, the Manitoba Museum, etc.? I hope all these places will create some sort of synergies vis-a-vis attracting visitors. Otherwise, they will strain an already tight pool of funding monies.

- what about the extra driving to get to announced cheapest gas price - To save how much -

- even at 5 cents a litre, a 30 litre - the average tank for normal people - not the macho-dickheads in hummers, suvs and massive trucks that never leave lindenwoods - fill saves you a single cup of coffee - and you drove how much further - listened to a different station for how long - etc - for a buck and a half-

- wah wah wah - gas prices are too high - get rid of your hummer or suv that you dont need -

- personally - i am praying for $5 a litre prices - yes five bucks — i cannot afford that price either - because only then will people do the right thing - “rolling back the gas price” a la walmart isnt a solution - getting off petroleum is - but we’re not working at it - not enough research money and not enough citizens asking for it -

- the biggest question(s) are:
- why is nobody - and i do mean nobody - screaming for better cars-
- why is the government squashing the canuck built and designed avro aero - i mean - electric car

- the very first car was - gasp - electric - but there was more oil than hydro in texas.

- i love the eye in the sky - but for what we call rush hour - it and the traffic van driving around the streets all day - are a waste of resources-

- the real problem with traffic in this city - is that there is only one person in most cars - despite having the same destination - too many people are beyond reluctant to offer a lift to friends/neighbours/colleagues -

- winnipeggers - shut up about road conditions - they are better than most of the planet - and they are not that bad - i will gladly drive on bumpy roads if it means getting the elmwood cc back - tell the kids at sherbrook pool that money is better spent on wavery west streets than their only recreational facility within walking distance.

broose

One regret I have is that I didn’t record any pre-1987 24Hours newscasts, and interviews, as well as material from CKND News’ Manitoba Tonight.

If anyone has copies of these clips I’d love to see them again.