Now that Kanata Soloists SC will not be getting the backing of Ottawa politicians, it’s time to glean the lessons.
In a time of great financial distress, it is not wise, somehow, to ask for a gigantic infusion of public funds to build a stadium in an unpopular location, excluding a provisional expansion franchise in another sport which has already been approved.
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I don’t blame Eugene Melnyk for trying, and I’m not even all that down on MLS commissioner Don Garber for trying to turn Melnyk’s enthusiasm into a soccer-only stadium with a grass field.
Expecting the people of Ottawa to pay for it, though? Especially when those same people – if they care about soccer at all – just don’t love the idea of schlepping out to Kanata?
Well, it was always going to be a longshot.
Didn’t have to be, though. I have two words for any supporters of Melnyk’s solo suburban soccer scheme, up to and including the great man himself:
Private money.
Put enough of that stuff together, and we can all be dancing an MLS Kanata cantata. Without it, though – well, the Jeff Hunt group and its Lansdowne Park redevelopment scheme which can include the CFL is just vastly more attractive on the voter-accountable level. Hey, come play soccer here! Sorry about the plastic turf, but given the climate and the Rough Riders and all ….
In fairness, I have little doubt that Melnyk would have reached out to Hunt had his Kanata vision won the day. That would not have pleased Don Garber, but I’m pretty sure the $40-million expansion fee would have seen him through his upset.
But given the facts in evidence, Ottawa city officials have little choice. The money will stay in the city proper, and how ‘bout them Riders?
Any other outcome was over-optimistic … at best.
Mr. Hunt, meet USL-1. USL-1, this is Mr. Hunt. You kids play nice, now.
Onward!