It’s my Parting Shot to politely ask for sanity, decency and decorum when it comes to the raging debate surrounding Saskatoon’s Downtown Event and Entertainment District – better known as the D-E-E-D…..
I’m going to give the folks, called Vote on D-E-E-D on social media, who are rallying against the proposed project, which includes a new 15,000-seat arena, attached to the existing – and likely to be somewhat renovated T-C-U Place, kudos for getting their message out and doing what appears to be – so far – an effective job of having people in Saskatoon sign the petition that calls for a referendum or plebiscite so that the city has the definitive say on whether the project should go ahead or not.
However, the Vote in D-E-E-D needs to reign in some of their more “enthusiastic” supporters after what I’m told happened last week at a mall where a current city councillor was verbally harassed and berated regarding the D-E-E-D. It turned out the councillor’s scheduled time in the mall to meet up with people they represent co-incided with the Vote on D-E-E-D’s pop-up petition signing. I have no problem with the group doing the pop-up stuff and getting people to sign the petition, but creating a disturbance with language and potential violence is a no-no!
And, since my wife helps out a current city councillor with some of their public appearances and duties – all I can say is some Vote on D-E-E-D zealot or zealots better not hurt them! And, those aren’t empty words!!
Now, before I’m called left wing or some other word with political affiliation that is no where near the truth – I have my concerns with the D-E-E-D. Mostly with the too bad, this project is happening – like it or not – attitude that some of its proponents have put forth. The cost, now said to be upwards of one-point-six billion dollars of today value, for a concert venue first and foremost – secondarily a place for the Saskatoon Blades and Saskatchewan Rush to play hockey and lacrosse, as I was told many years ago – is frightening! Who pays for that?! My property taxes are high enough as is – compared to my work wage!
As for the D-E-E-D proponents and supporters who say the project will be a huge benefit to the city down the road, I’m for that – but not downtown where there is crime, homelessness, lack of parking, the need for busses to be used – you do know that Transit is a dirty word for a large number of residents – and infrastructure that is lacking and would need to be severely upgraded! Again, at what cost?!
You see, I’m more than a sports broadcaster and hockey play-by-play announcer, I’m also a concerned citizen. I just want the rest of the concerned citizens to play it cool!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!
