He opposed a private-sector core renewal project in 1995, arguing that it would provide financial benefits to the city and province but would do nothing to help the area targeted for improvement. Silva initially opposed public financing for a new area that was proposed by the Manitoba Entertainment Complex in 1994, as a means of keeping the Winnipeg Jets hockey franchise in the city.
He opposed a private-sector project aimed at revitalizing the core of the city, arguing that it would benefit the city and province financially but wouldn't address the specific area needing improvement. He also initially opposed public funding for a new area proposed by the Manitoba Entertainment Complex in 1994 to keep the Winnipeg Jets hockey team in Winnipeg.