EDITORIAL: Too early for plebiscite

On Tuesday a group sought to convince city councillors a plebiscite is the answer to decide whether or not to build an event centre.

While we're not opposed to the idea of putting the question to the ballot, it's not the right time.

Yes, it would cost a lot less to ask the question in the upcoming municipal election.

But what question would the city be asking?

For some, a simple proceed or not, regardless of what the taxpayer implications might be, is enough.

They do not want the project to go ahead at any cost.

For others, their support depends on how much money city ratepayers would have to contribute to the $106.1-million project.

That question cannot be answered yet. It is why city officials are moving on to Phase 3 of the consultation process. The next steps will help determine what money might be available from other levels of government and just what the impact will be to local coffers.

If it is determined the federal or provincial governments are not interested in contributing major amounts to the project, and city officials still want to go ahead, then that is when a plebiscite should be held.

And we will be the first to hold city council's feet to the fire. But let's get to that point first.