With regard to David BlackB次元官网网址檚 Feb. 18 op-ed concerning hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games: Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 13 municipal B次元官网网址榝iefdomsB次元官网网址� are gaining a growing reputation for B次元官网网址渕issing the forest for the trees.B次元官网网址� ThereB次元官网网址檚 always a small vocal group of naysayers ready to rush to judgment and criticize any and every big, bold, challenging proposal that would bring benefits to the area.

As with the 1994 Commonwealth Games, naysayers nitpicked the project every step of the way B次元官网网址� until, grudgingly, jumping onto the bandwagon upon realizing the biggest event ever to hit the Island was a huge success.

The proposed 2026 Games $1-billion budget includes obtaining $400 million (tax dollars) from the feds. Consider this reality, if the feds donB次元官网网址檛 invest B次元官网网址榦urB次元官网网址� tax dollars in this project, rest assured the $400 million will go to Ontario or more likely Quebec (a federal election is coming).

David BlackB次元官网网址檚 proposal could provide just the right impetus to kickstart the IslandB次元官网网址檚 economic recovery, provide a common goal for Islanders to rally around and a much needed symbol of hope and confidence in the future.

Ron Devion

Brentwood Bay