The CEO of the Canadian Home Builders' Association says operations of the new St. John's Convention Centre will be "detrimental to tourism" in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Holding our annual conference at the St. John's Convention Centre this year was the most unnecessarily difficult and costly exercise we have experienced in decades," wrote Lee. (Gary Locke/CBC)Lee's letter — dated Sept. 11, 2017, and copied to Tourism Minister Christopher Mitchelmore, then-St. John's mayor Dennis O'Keefe, and St. John's Sports and Entertainment chair Robert Verge — lists several complaints. "As a result, it pains me to say our association cannot recommend the St. John's Convention Centre as a venue to hold an event, and we have heard many other organizations find themselves in the same position." Sheena McCrate, CEO of St. John's Sports and Entertainment, says the on-the-ground organizer of the home builders' conference was pleased with the experience.

Source: CBC News March 07, 2018 19:52 UTC