You have 2 opportunities this week to go down to City Hall and let the Mayor and Councillors know what you think about the 2011 City budget. It's important to draw attention to the fact that there has been absolutely no public scrutiny of Lansdowne redevelopment costs.

Tonight, Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m. Mayor's Spending Control Town Hall

Tell the Mayor know you want Lansdowne revitalized in a way that is fiscally responsible. Pass on a few suggestions how to control spending such as:

• Don't move the Horticulture Building (saving $5 million)
• Don't move the sports dome (saving $3.8 million)
• Don't build a new trade and exhibition facility in the greenbelt (saving $8.5 million)
• Split the cost of stadium renovations with the developers (saving $62 million) or go for a modest $40 million renovation (saving $84 million)
• Ask for more than a $1 a year in rent for the stadium and lands at Lansdowne Park

Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Budget Consultation

In addition to specific questions about the spending of $173 million in tax dollars on the Lansdowne Partnership Plan, take your turn at the mike to ask the Mayor and downtown Councillors:

• Why isn't major new spending of $173 million for Lansdowne redevelopment worthy of a clear explanation in budget documents and presentations? Where's the transparency?
• Isn't it true that all city spending is subject to review in the budget? If the City is to overturn previously approved transit fare cuts for seniors, why isn't it taking a good hard look at Lansdowne spending line by line?
• Lansdowne redevelopment costs have gone up $5.8 million in the last 6 months (an additional $2 million to move the Horticulture Building and $3.8 million to move the Dome). What measures are being taken to keep Lansdowne from becoming a costly white elephant?

Let's Get it Right!    www.letsgetitright.ca