So why would a Captain (Mayor) sail a ship directly into a storm? What possible reward is worth the risk? The answer simply put is “growth and economic prosperity”. For this was never just about the construction of a new Ice Palace. It’s about developing our southern entrance around Lakeshore Drive.
The City of North Bay wants development here similar to the North End around McKeown Avenue. The South End was to have two large anchors, the idled Cascades Casino and the Ice Palace. These large projects would in theory pull developers into the South End but also into East Ferris, Callander, and beyond. The optimistic scenario sees a boom for residential /commercial subdivisions, big-box shopping, stores, and restaurant development. Forget recreation this is a cold calculated business initiative.
This ambitious strategic direction was worked out long before a pandemic struck.
A post-pandemic world will be very different. There were conditions attached to locating the Cascades Casino project here. To survive they may well wish to renegotiate any previous cost-sharing agreement or leave altogether. I mean, after all, Air Canada made that same choice to survive.
Despite the negative pandemic environment with its unstable supply, demand and volatile pricing your Captain insists on setting his second anchor. To keep this development gamble alive he will double down.
Folks we are way past a 50 M dollar expenditure at the south end and if the Cascades Casino backs out we’re on the hook for even more. Unfortunately, given our award-winning Mayor, Council, and a professional spin doctor, you will have an uphill battle finding the true cost.
A small point to keep in mind, remember this City denies any fiduciary responsibility for Cassellholme LTC. I guess LTC and business plans don’t mix.
Editor's note: Subsequent to publishing, Deputy Mayor Tanta Vrebosch wrote saying, "The point about how the city denies any fiduciary responsibility for Casselholme is completely false. No one has ever said that. The only comments from council have been that we are committed to Casselholme but we have the right to ask questions regarding the financing options. It's his opinion but it is not factual."
On the bright side, we do have a partially completed casino and maybe a shot at a COVID vaccine by fall.
Batten the hatches and stay safe!
Ephrem Gallant
North Bay ON
