After having read Gerda Peachey’s March 22 letter, I contemplated her argument that the AESC should be either “mothballed” or sold.
The AESC has indeed seen a significant decrease in revenue compared to its management’s predictions.
However, judging a company’s future revenue during an economic period of instability cannot be an accurate method of determining its overall community value.
The venue opened in 2009 in accordance with the 2006 referendum to fund three community projects (including the AESC).
With such a new project, constructed during a period of economic instability, it is expected that the venue will not meet the public’s expectations. Nonetheless, shutting the venue down will result in a more drastic waste of taxpayers’ money, as the space will remain empty, while it could be deriving some revenue.
There is some profit benefited by families taking advantage of free children admission, reasonably priced food, child-friendly mascots and the overall thrill of a community team sporting game.
This cheap night out during a period of financial crunches can be taken as a compromise, decreasing overall profit by filling a portion of seats at no charge, while drawing in another audience which pay on average $18, excluding any merchandise purchases or food.
This year there will be numerous big name events (such as Cirque du Soleil) and smaller name events will be taking place at the AESC, which is fuelled and funded by consumers purchasing tickets.
In order for a community to expand, it must take some aspects of risk; it is completely uncertain whether a decision will turn out as planned.
However, with time and publicity, the venue has the possibility to begin generating a profit.
Considering the global economy, the venue is merely surviving, as are numerous other companies in Abbotsford.
Taylor Johnson