Good weekend for the Dogs?

[dogfan]

I'm sure most of you saw the great news in the paper on Friday. The province is giving St. Catharines money to make a business case for downtown revitalization.
St. Catharines is being given $250,000 from the province to develop a business case for revitalizing the downtown.

The money, announced Friday, will be used to study the feasibility of possible projects for the core, like a wine route or entertainment centre, and develop an actual implementation plan.

This is exactly what the city needed to get a new arena. You have to believe that the entertainment centre would include a new building and probably some parking. Although it is not a blank check to start building it is certainly a positive move. There are still hurdles to cross but with GM looking to reinvest in St. Catharines and the province looking to invest, at least there are signs of money coming in that could help build a new facility.
Follow that up with Legein and Schiestel being drafted in the second round. Seems like a good weekend for the IceDogs. I saw something on TV that said the Dogs have almost 500 seasons gone so far.

[slamr]

Good news on the drafted IceDogs players. Shows were going to have a quality team to watch this year. Can't wait.
As for a new arena downtown...well, no breath holding recommended. I don't see the space anywhere for such a building unless they tear down some existing ones. Besides, I would much rather see it built off the QEW between the Falls and St. Kitts or off Hwy 406 near #20. A "regional" team should have a "regional" facility.

[back2back]

slamr said:

Good news on the drafted IceDogs players. Shows were going to have a quality team to watch this year. Can't wait.
As for a new arena downtown...well, no breath holding recommended. I don't see the space anywhere for such a building unless they tear down some existing ones. Besides, I would much rather see it built off the QEW between the Falls and St. Kitts or off Hwy 406 near #20. A "regional" team should have a "regional" facility.

They could also tear down Rex Stimers and Jack Gatecliff and build it there, but that doesn't solve the parking problem. In fact, having to find parking spots for 5000 or 6000 people instead of 3000 people will only make matters worse. I agree that the NOTL area along the QEW does seem to be the best spot for a regional team

[slamr]

Parking has been and always will be an issue in the downtown. I simply don't agree with any new facility in that area even if it replaces the Jack and the Rex. Besides, if they did that, where would the team play in the interim? I'd bet the Falls arena would be gone by then. IMO Mr. Burke should be negotiating with NOTL or Thorold to build on their land for his regional team. I suppose that's easier said than done, though.