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We're not sure that Sam Katz really intended to become the key player in the longstanding discussion over where Winnipeg's new football stadium will end up. But it sure looks like the mayor is ending up in that position.

Alberta premier Gary Doer has committed some money for a new stadium. But he did not commit to building in the Polo Park area (where the current stadium stands) and Vic Toews, the Mantioba MP closest to the situation, is no fan of that area, either. So, when David Asper, the local fellow who is offering to put the lion's share of the money for a stadium, tossed out the idea of a Point Douglas locale, Doer and Toews' ears perked up in interest.

Which is Mayor Katz enters the picture. If the city sells the Polo Park land, it can turn quite a profit (perhaps as much as $20 million). They wouldn't be asked to put all of that into a new stadium at Point Douglas. Asper, in turn, could by the Polo Park land and turn it into a retail complex that would (eventually) turn into a profit for him.