Perspectives of a Traveled Canuck

I just discoverd this article posted on the Provincial NDP web site (February 26, 2009) regarding the project to replace the roof of BC Place Stadium. After reading it, the first question that pops into my head is, “ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR FRIGGIN’ MIND?”

For your reference, here’s the link to what the NDP calls “the truth” and the following are my thoughts.

1. Apparently, a warning that the roof will last another 15-20 years is cause for immediate action and when the roof tore (or according the the NDP, collapsed – a bit of a hyperbole you think?), the Liberals should have known, because they were warned?
2. Upon realizing the roof wouldn’t last the 15-20 years the government was told it would, they were somehow supposed to miraculously have a plan in place IMMEDIATELY.  Time to investigate and consult with architects and structural engineers, time to get evaluative reports done properly, is apparently what the NDP considers stalling by the Liberals.
3. The crazy building boom we had in Vancouver in the past 5 years, is somehow something the government should have had a contingency plan for. Because they were told the roof would need replacing in 15-20 years, the Liberals should have known to replace it now. Not only that, there’s a construction boom, so before the costs rise further, the Liberals should rush into a decision and get it done now. Getting it done faster is more important than getting it done right. Right?

Yeah, it would have been nice to get a new roof for BC Place in time for the Olympics. But considering what we knew at the time, that wasn’t a necessary cost. By the time a new roof was determined to be needed more urgently than originally thought, replacing for the Olympics wasn’t feasible. Seriously, what would the NDP have done? I shutter to think about the possibilities.

If the NDP is going to blame the Liberals for “stalling” until construction costs skyrocketed, now that the boom has gone bust, are they going to give the Liberals credit for “waiting” until costs started to go down? I mean, if you’re going to blame them for not planning for an economic situation they had no control over, then give them credit for the same when the tides turn in their favour.

As far as going for a more expensive replacement project, a retractible roof not only is a better plan when looking at the big picture but also increases the functionality and usefulness of the stadium. So as much as a “more affordable” design might be sufficient, an argument can also be made for a more costly design that has greater overall benefits and aesthetics. I mean, we are talking about a long term solution, right? And a decision needs to be made now, despite what the economic situation may be.

Let me say it again. Carole James, ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR FRIGGIN’ MIND? The Liberals are by no means perfect but really? Are you running out of actual things to bitch about and are now resorting to twisting the facts and making stuff up?

But then again, there’s a provincial election coming up and we should consider letting the NDP make the decisions. Remember how well it worked out with their fast ferries?