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A few points to share on my thinking on the Canada Games budgeted $$ from me, a very non-athlete:
1. The City is providing a small percentage of the total costs of running the Games. I think it is a good idea to take advantage of cost-sharing opportunities. 1/
1. The City is providing a small percentage of the total costs of running the Games. I think it is a good idea to take advantage of cost-sharing opportunities. 1/
2. A majority of the $$, in the vicinity of 80-90% of the total budget, will be provided by other levels of govt, private sponsorship, ticket sales. In exchange, we will see an economic impact of 80-110M from teams, coaches, visitors... COVID recovery is gonna last years.
3. Because we are hosting Paralympic Games, much of the capital $$ will end up being used to improve much-needed accessibility of our regional recreation facilities. Recreation often takes a beating as a non-essential service at budget time, but it is so vital to our wellbeing.
4. The 3M capital will not be included in this coming budget: it will be spread out over 3 budget years from 2022-24. It is not 3M a year as I’ve seen some ask.
5. The Games committee is working hard to make a positive impact on NL through the games.
5. The Games committee is working hard to make a positive impact on NL through the games.
6. Yes, I agree with many on here that Metrobus and sidewalk snow clearing is more important than the Games. We can do both. It is not an “either or”, rather a “yes, and”. We must push back against attempts to say we don’t “have the money” for mobility. More on that on budget day
7. The Games are for young athletes, not established professional athletes. An example of the Summer Games age categories can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BtMggJ9u5icT-16fQBcfhoXWchJgnUZv/view
Given the restrictions around sports & COVID I think it’s good for youth to have the Games to look forward to.
Given the restrictions around sports & COVID I think it’s good for youth to have the Games to look forward to.
8. I am a musician. An artist. A mom of musicians. I often say I don’t really *get* sports, it’s just not in my wheelhouse. I tried to convince my healthy living teacher to let me get hours for violin lol. But I DO support youth, and active living, and community development.
9, last one. Here is the text of yesterday’s resolution in support of the Games, which I think should shed some more light on the whole situation. Reach out by email if you have further questions. Thanks
