The next time you hear Gary Doer or Sam Katz talking about how downtown Winnipeg is being saved by the MTS Center or the Manitoba Hydro building, remember this:

United Army Surplus Sales, a store that has helped Winnipeggers brave nature for nearly six decades, has lost its battle for financial survival.

Bonnie Hooley, of LC Taylor & Co., confirmed this morning that more than two-thirds of the creditors voted not to accept a repayment deal.

Court documents state the company has about $443,000 of assets but owes 132 creditors $680,000.

The store could close as early as today.

It's sad to see that the business of government-spending downtown is booming, those businesses that actually pay taxes are still being forced out of downtown Winnipeg.

Sam Katz needs to get rid of the business tax, and hurry. If not, Portage Ave. will be nothing but vacant buildings from Main St. to Maryland.

Labels: Business, Gary Doer, Sam Katz, Taxes