Discussions

So lets think of the heritage buildings in Brandon which have benefited from government investment. What factors made their funding attractive to the powers that be?  
 
The ACC North Hill campus for example has, is and will continue to draw millions of dollars from the province in its restoration. I think the key there was a)community support/activism and b)investment in education. The current provincial government is big on education and training these days so it was easier for them to lay those huge dollars out to save the old structures.  
 
I think the more support evident in the community, the more government pays attention. Plus, the more ways the building can benefit the community the better. If the dome is only to be a glorious office space for the Provincial Ex, how is the average SW Manitoban going to see the benefit? Don't get me wrong, my heart breaks to see it falling apart. The point is, there needs to be a plan that gets people excited.  
 
If there was a plan that included some entry point for the public to feel some stake in it...an event space with a hall and exterior garden development available for weddings, fundraisers etc., some commercial space, a museum...  
 
When we're talking about a multi-million dollar investment, there has to be a multi-faceted proposal.  
 
The other part of this is, what can the Provincial Ex do? Look at Brandon University. They are masters at fundraising. Clark Hall was beautifully restored with mostly their own efforts, if I'm not mistaken - my memory's a little fuzzy there. They've already got an impressive pot of cash together for the Wellness Centre, btw.  
 
If this is a priority for the Provincial Ex and for the larger community, perhaps they should take on a major fundraising campaign. If they can engage everyone in a realistic but inspiring vision, governments will get on board.  
 
In my experience, government doesn't just think up their investments on their own - except maybe in North Korea. There is generally something gaining momentum in the community, and, frankly, government wants in on that political capital and steps in to support it.  
 
It's up to us and the Provincial Ex to start it, isn't it? What ideas are out there for the display building? What do you want your tax dollars to create?