Council quashes motion to fast-track Sudbury arena bidding process

Robert Kirwan described it as "a disease called 'analysis paralysis,'" but other city councillors say the decision shouldn't be rushed.

Last night city council defeated Kirwan's motion to fast-track the process to replace theSudbury Arena.

The motion called for council to open the bidding process at the end of this year, giving developers one month to submit their pitch.

But many councillors, like Deb McIntosh from Ward 9, felt that was too quick.

"If we're going to make a decision, which could be up to $80 million that will impact this community for the next 50 or 60 years, I think that we need to do our homework and make a thoughtful, informed decision," McIntosh said.

How fast is fast enough?

The subject of a new arena specifically where it should be built and by whom has been floating around for over a decade.In 2014, council approved the hiring of a consultant to come up a detailed plan for replacing the 65-year-old arena.

The debate escalated this spring when council formally endorsed the project.Since then, there's been non-stop speculation about the estimated $80 million venue.

AndKirwansaid the time for talking is done.

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"I really think we have to stop talking and I think we do have this disease called anaylsis paralysis and we have to get out of it," said the Ward 5 councillor.

With the motion defeated, council returns to its original plan for the new arena.

It will likely issue a request for proposal in June.

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