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The Rog's Rant

New arena shows Oshawa wants success

This Friday night the General Motors Centre will open its doors for the first time in downtown Oshawa as the Generals play host to the Owen Sound Attack.

I have to admit to you, I didn’t think I’d see a new arena in Oshawa in my lifetime.

I had the opportunity to get in there and have a look at the building three times during the construction period. Let me tell you, it’s going to be a spectacular facility and second to none to any in the OHL.

There has been talk about a new arena in Oshawa for years but it’s just been talk. In fact when it comes to this issue, when all is said and done, more has been said than done. Until now.

Why did I never think there would be a new arena in Oshawa in my lifetime? Because quite frankly I didn’t think the community would have the guts to put one up.

I have two strong beliefs when it comes to being successful in any walk of life and they have served me well in the past, and served anyone else looking for a better life well too I’m sure.

Belief number one: significant success and development is absolutely impossible without taking some degree of calculated risk.

Belief number two: if there is a lot of opposition to an ambitious plan it probably means it’s a good one, because the vast majority of people I’ve met can’t get their heads around belief number one.

Building a new arena in the middle of downtown Oshawa at this point in time is a risk to be sure. It’s a jewel of an arena but it’s in an area that anybody can see needs more than one jewel for it to shine.

But you have to start somewhere. You have to take a bit of a chance. With all due respect to the politicians in this area in previous years, the economic plan for Oshawa has historcially consisted primarily of hiding in a corner with your fingers crossed hoping General Motors doesn’t ever close.

The city deserves better success than that and a better plan than that. Hey, did you know Oshawa has the largest per capita income in Canada now? Did you know that Durham Region is one of the fastest growing areas in the country?

Yes I know downtown Oshawa needs a lot more than just an arena. But that’s the whole point – start with a vision and a plan and take a bit of a calculated risk that other businesses will catch on to your vision and leadership. The new court house is on the way, the new rink is here – give it some time and let’s see what else follows. In the meantime, there’s a terrific new building the whole community can enjoy.

There’s opposition to this project, lots of it. Good. That’s why where we live is called a democracy and for years now, those against taking the risk have won out. And with all due respect to them, the fact that there’s been as much opposition as there has been makes me like the whole concept even more.

I believe if you really want to succeed, you have to take calculated risks. I believe when there’s opposition to a plan that involves risk, it means the odds are even greater that you may be on to something good.

London’s new arena did wonders for them. Numerous other centers have benefited greatly as well throughout North America with downtown revival following the construction. And yes, some didn’t work out as well as planned.

That is what risk is all about however – if it was easy or fully guaranteed, then everybody would do it. I salute Oshawa for finally making the move and I’m hoping it’s a tremendous success. But the project has already shown that the city is now ready to stop sitting around doing nothing and really take a risk in spite of some opposition to it.

In my mind that means it has a great chance of success. Go enjoy the new facility Oshawa – you deserve the success a place like that can bring.

Comments on The Rant of October 25 on being a fan:

“The Rog, what I like about you is that you have such a positive attitude and you really seem to enjoy your work. And you did a marvellous job at the closing ceremonies of the Civic too, well done!” – Rick in Ajax

“Media guys have the best jobs in the universe. All the fun of going to the games and not having to be good enough an athlete to play them – perfect!” – Stan in Toronto

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