And really, how often does that work out?

I just have time to add a little bit to yesterday’s recap.  I missed the CBC coverage, but wasn’t terribly happy with CTV’s; they focussed on the fact that the lawsuit is a stumbling block for the Can Am League and for the multi-purpose facility proposed by the Stadium Group.  We were hoping for a little bit more about the league itself - but hey, the only thing worse than people talking about you, is people not talkin’ about you.

From what I can gather, the City is banking that their side of the argument will carry the day in court.  And banking may be the operative word - if they we lose, it’s going to be expensive.  Damage + interest + costs.  Interest by the way, currently accrues at 5%, per annum, which may not sound like much, but if the clock started ticking 7 years ago when the parking lot began to be carved up, you can add 35% on top of the damage award.  It won’t be pretty -but it will be expensive.  As biased as I am, I’m not certain that the Lynx will hit a home run with their claim against the City either, but will they be shut-out entirely?  There’s always risk in these circumstances and at the very least, the Lynx have shown a level of rationality that the City hasn’t:  A proposal, not where everyone wins, but at least the legal issues are resolved without having to go to court and incur trial costs.  In my opinion, the best result the taxpayer can hope for is that this thing will be sawed off some where in the middle.  It seems highly unlikely that this matter will get to trial, which makes it even more critical to keep the pressure on to get the City to the table to resolve it.  The clock is ticking, and the prospective tenant tapping his foot on the sidelines can’t wait forever.  

Please keep the pressure on. I encourage you to check back here for updates, as well as the Ottawa Citizen and over at Out of Left Field. Both Darren Desaulniers and Neate Sager have done yeoman’s work covering this story. Hat’s off to both of you gentlemen.