I live in Edmonton so I am a little more familiar with that particular situation. The whole problem with the cost issue is because city council delayed on that overpass for several years, and with the delay the cost skyrocketed. I don't remember the exact numbers but they could've saved money if they would've just built it in the first place.
That intersection was considered a "black eye" for Edmonton. It was the most accident prone intersection in the city, as well as subject to horrendous traffic during rush hour. City council even went so far as to say it was hurting tourism because that was the first intersection people would see visiting Edmonton (before the Henday was built).
I disagree when people say that this intersection did not affect people who lived in the North end. It was a city issue, not just a south Edmonton issue.
As for the arena, the outrage is not so much at the arena itself, I am sure all Edmontonians would not mind having a new arena, but it has been the way the deal has been negotiated by Mr. Katz. First, our city council was a dead duck at the beginning, essentially agreeing with all the initial proposals (even that 100 million dollar gap that they were going to pull from funds slated for "infrastructure use"). The initial joke was that Katz' lawyers bent city council over. Consequently, there was some public outrage. I mean why are our tax dollars going to a stupid arena, when you can't drive on a road without breaking your bloody car over a pothole (for people who have only lived in Calgary, you have no idea what a real pothole is). Katz is now trying to push the envelope here, going so far as to say that the Oilers will not be profitable without a new arena. So, city council, aware of any potential backlash from the public, essentially called Katz out on this claim, and that is where we stand today.
The bottom line is, Katz' lease runs out on Northland in I believe 3 years, and he is still dreaming in technicolor that he will have a new arena at that time.
For the record, I do not mind some tax dollars going into the arena, but it is absolutely ludicrous for the city to take on the bulk majority of the investment, which is what Katz is trying to do. Yes, he can sell the revitalization of the city but until you actually move the Hope mission that is smack in the middle of Chinatown a couple of blocks away, I am not sold that the arena will make it a better area. I would rather my tax money go towards more shelters, affordable housings, and programs to treat addictions to get these people off the streets.
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Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat
I think because people can closely identify with hockey that they feel the need to speak up in these situations. The fact is, governments give handouts and develop infrastructure to help private businesses all the time.
The 23 ave overpass / 19 ave flyover in Edmonton is a great example of that. The flyover was built solely to benefit businesses in South Edmonton Common. Total cost of the project was $260 million.
http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmo.../15113981.html
Meanwhile, someone who lives in North Edmonton is paying for this even though they will likely never use it. |