Winnipeg stadium proposal not in jeopardy: Asper

In spite of media reports suggesting the contrary, media tycoon David Asper says his proposal to build a new football stadium in Winnipeg is still very much alive.

Asper's plans for the stadium would see him provide $40 millionfor the $120 project, with provincial and federal governments providing the remaining $80 million.

Media reports over the weekend quoted Manitoba's senior Conservative MP and Treasury Board president Vic Toews as suggesting Ottawa is unlikely to hand over its share of the money.

Asper would not comment on those reports, but said Monday that the project is still a go.

"I'm in an awkward position because there are some sensitivities to how this all is going to happen, and I want to respect that,"the CanWest Global executive told CBC News.

"But I do remain confident that Winnipeggers will have the benefit of a new community-owned facility that will start construction in March."

Asper's partially covered, 40,000-seat stadium would replace the 54-year-old Canad Inns Stadium in the Polo Park area of Winnipeg. Like its predecessor, the new stadium would be a public property.

As part of the plan, Asper would take ownership of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers which have been community owned for almost 80 years and spend $25 million to develop commercial property around the stadium.

The team voted in June to transfer ownership to Asper and his company, Creswin Properties.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer has said the province would help build a new stadium. However, early this year, he also said any call for funds would have to include a guarantee that the Blue Bombers would not leave town.