Windsor Express pleads for public support

Windsor's professional basketball team is pleading with the public to support its request for a new $125,000 floor.

The Windsor Express sent a mass email asking taxpayers and fansto pressure council to foot the bill for a basketball floor.

The letter encourages everyone to attend the council meeting Aug. 27 to support the recommendation.

"If you are unable to attend, we ask that you please phone and email your members every time you think about us," the letter said.

The WFCU Centre is the team's ideal location, but council must first approve the team's request, which city administration supports.

"As we all know, the benefits will far outweigh the risk. The Express is directly investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy," according to the letter.

The letter included contact information for all city councillors.

Staff tells council to make purchase

In a report to council, staff recommends council approve the purchase of a court.

The recommendation also states the team will pay the city $4,530 per game for various fees. The team will also have to provide liability insurance at its own cost.

Staff reported in a risk analysis that a one-year agreement would mitigate the city's risk.

The report reads "there is a minor risk that the city purchase the floor and an agreement is not entered into beyond the first season." It calls the investment "a sunk cost" that "could be potentially used for other events."

City council is expected to vote on the proposal Monday.

Coun. Alan Halbertsadt said he's "leaning toward voting yes" but said he has questions, such as who else might use the floor.