Brampton councillors couldn’t contain their anger Wednesday after Mayor Susan Fennell refused to allow discussion about a proposal to build a world-class baseball-cricket venue for the 2015 Pan Am Games.
“This is ridiculous — you can’t even let the guy speak!” Councillor Paul Palleschi yelled, referring to former mayor Peter Robertson, who was on hand to present the concept. Robertson stood for 20 minutes at the deputants’ podium while councillors tried fruitlessly to convince Fennell he should be allowed to make his presentation.
“We’re not re-opening the agenda,” Fennell declared.
After the meeting, Fennell did not comment to the Star. Spokesperson Ian Newman said she was not available.
A group of prominent Bramptonians, including developer John Cutruzzola, who built city hall, is backing the proposal. Using money earmarked for Pan Am Games capital costs and private investment, the project would build two multi-use facilities at a cost of about $40 million.
One facility could be configured for baseball during the Games and used later for cricket and kabbadi, sports especially popular with thousands of Punjabi Canadians in Brampton. It could be placed next to the Powerade Centre, where Highways 407 and 410 meet, and would include a cricket stadium, shops, dining and entertainment venues.
The proposal says no taxpayer money beyond what the Pan Am Committee provides through Ottawa and Queen’s Park would be used.
The backers were trying desperately to get their proposal walked onto Wednesday’s agenda because the Games Committee has told them time is running out for council approval, if Brampton wants to get on the list of potential hosts.
“This is a situation where there is a critical time element,” Palleschi demanded. “We have added items onto the agenda before. I guess some of us don’t think this is that important.”
The vote to add the proposal was 8-3 in favour, but Fennell said it needed unanimous consent.
“My mind’s set. I didn’t want to bring this back to rehash,” said Councillor John Sprovieri, one of two Fennell allies who voted against allowing it. He was referring to a council vote two months ago against making a bid for a more modest baseball venue.
He also said, contrary to what was in the written proposal, that he understood taxpayers would have to pay for the whole plan.
Palleschi pointed out that the vote two months ago was a consent item, meaning there was no debate. Much of the information in the new proposal, Councillor Gael Miles said, wasn’t part of a staff report presented at the time.
Other councillors pointed out that the idea they voted on two months ago wasn’t nearly as visionary and dynamic as the new proposal.
“The bottom line is this,” Councillor Elaine Moore said after the meeting: “If we are approached by individuals with creative and progressive ideas for the city without dipping into taxpayers’ pockets, it’s incumbent for us to listen to them. It’s our job to listen to our citizens.
“Today we refused to let them talk to us. If we don’t allow engagement, no one’s going to work with this council.”
Robertson says the story isn’t over.
“We already have four investors that have come forward on their own with considerable amounts to invest. They think this is a fantastic opportunity for the whole region. I’ll be back next week and the proposal will be on the agenda.”
