Calgarians divided over downtown arena plans
November 02, 2015
Calgarians continue to mull over the benefits and costs surrounding the possibility of a new downtown arena, fieldhouse and redevelopment of West Village adjacent to the complex.
The project, introduced in August by Ken King, CEO of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Group – which owns the NHL Flames and the CFL Stampeders – was front-page news across the city. Sports fans noted their enthusiasm for the endeavour, dubbed CalgaryNEXT, while others pondered the $950-million price tag, as well as how the venture would be paid for.
Even after making public that the city was considering a bid on the 2026 Winter Olympics, an event that would likely be contingent on having a new rink, Mayor Naheen Nenshi seemed quizzical about the benefits of such facilities for Calgary.
“A particular proposal came out (that) talked a lot about the potential economic benefits to Calgary,” said Nenshi during a recent City Council meeting, “and a stack of academic reports this high were then presented saying there is never an economic benefit out of these sorts of investments.”
A Mainstreet survey of more than 1,300 Calgarians conducted by the Calgary Herald a month earlier found respondents split on the notion of replacing the Saddledome with a new venue, while almost half were against the city and the sports ownership group each chipping in $200 million to the project. City councillors have debated over the issue, declaring that citizens aren’t thrilled over taxpayers’ dollars going into sports infrastructure, while other elected officials argue the proposal is a necessary shot in the arm to spark downtown activity.
According to the CalgaryNEXT financial plan, additional money would come from a $240-million Community Revitalization Levy which would be paid back in taxes affecting residents and businesses in West Village, which would also receive a makeover. Remaining funds would be via $250 user fee and ticket tax charged to patrons of the new sports facilities.
While King has stated that the plan was created to align with the city’s urban and cultural priorities, he cautioned at determining the extent of any public funding beyond the framework his organization created.
“It is premature to comment on how this will affect taxpayers,” said King. “Our proposed funding model was developed to work in conjunction with existing city plans of building out the West Village and the construction of a fieldhouse for the city. We’re bringing $450 million in funding to the table in order to help move this development forward.”
Still, King believes the project will further enhance Calgary’s reputation for hosting world-class sports and cultural events.
“Our goal is to continue to build on the legacy of this great city we all live in.”
Image: City of Calgary
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About Gene Kosowan
Gene Kosowan is a freelance journalist based in Edmonton. His work has been featured in such publications as Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Venture and the Edmonton Journal.