Yes to a Domed Stadium, but with Private Dollars: Bater

Saskatchewan Liberal Leader Ryan Bater reacted to the domed stadium feasibility study by asking the Wall government why public money is needed to build a stadium for downtown Regina.

“The proposed domed stadium is a $430-million luxury that has little potential to create new economic development in Saskatchewan,” said Bater. “This project has no place on the provincial agenda during a time when the Wall government needs to do some serious and overdue belt tightening.”

Bater stresses that he is in favour of a domed stadium for Regina, but it should be financed by private investors. "Saskatchewan needs a climate for private entrepreneurship," said Bater. "Why does the Wall government need to help bankroll a project that would best be paid for through personal initiative?"

At the same time, Bater recognizes the need for improvements to the existing Mosaic Stadium. “Upgrades to the existing stadium would cost $6-million. This option should be explored as a reasonable alternative to the unreasonable cost of a new domed stadium.”

“The Wall government needs to place fiscal responsibility and good judgment before political interests. Their response to this study will demonstrate whether they are capable of that."