The Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti is showing off what he says are commitments which will effectively pay for the $325 million GTA arena entirely with private money. At least that’s what the plan calls for. Skeptical ratepayers aren’t so sure. At a news conference Saturday Scarpitti said the undertakings come in the form of two so-called memorandums of understanding (MOU). One is between the City and GTA Sports and Entertainment, the long-time organizers and drivers of the arena concept. The other MOU is with “developers”. There is a meeting at Markham Council Monday night to approve these ideas. The residents of Markham have mounted a large and sustained opposition to the arena, not because they don’t like the idea of a facility, but because they are cynical about who will really pay in the end. There is that thing called the Skydome (now Rogers Centre). It had to be sold off at a fire sale price to private interests when Toronto and the province found they just could not make it pay. and of course, there is no NHL franchise. Mayor Scarpitti says don’t worry, that isn’t necessary. Many people just don’t buy this. And if the enormous money behind GTA Arena is able to overcome the resistance of the Leafs, Sabres and Red Wings to create the Markham Millionaires (or whatever) what do they say to the poor people of Hamilton and Niagara, who have waited decades for a team. What do they say except maybe “Drop Dead!”
