As a municipal decision-making body, Council must often make tough decisions based on facts and not emotion. Particularly where hard-earned tax dollars are at stake.

The request for funding from Pumphouse Theatres Society is one such decision Council considered where the economics are extremely important, given that the total project price tag is over $10 million.

There are three reasons why I voted against the additional city funding of $2 million, over and above the $2 million of taxpayer money that council has already previously allocated:

1. I believe the Province pulled out of this project because in tough economic times, they recognize the need to manage taxpayers dollars even more prudently. I personally agree that tough times mean tough decisions. I also believe that the onus is on businesses, including theatres, to raise their fair share of funds and that government should not be the major financial player. The society to date has only raised 10 percent of their contribution, expecting taxpayers to pay the rest.

2. I am not aware of a single project that has been funded by the Federal government in the absence of Provincial funding. I posed this question several times but have not yet received a response.

3. On April 7, 2010, the Land Use Planning & Transportation Committee who initially reviewed this request was informed of a letter of intent from the Federal government that demonstrated their support for funding. We received this letter dated April 13 and it indicated nothing more than “full consideration” would be given. Not a letter of intent.

I greatly appreciate the Pumphouse Theatre. They have entertained Calgarians for years and have always operated in the black. However, as a result of provincial cutbacks, Calgary Council already finds itself $153 million short for projects we’ve already committed to – let alone new requests like an extra $2 million for Pumphouse Theatre.

In these tight economic times it is essential we run City Hall in a business-like manner and it is our responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars that each and every dollar is well spent.