Personally I think having a new facility is beneficial to the community. It allows for a lot more usage than what the Dome currently is able to service. More concerts (so many people have to go up to Edmonton to hear some of their favorite acts), trade-shows (comes in very handy when you can section-off a new building with that kind of capability), conventions and whatever other things that just aren't coming to Calgary. Whatever area around the new facility instantly becomes a 'hotspot' that helps out (hopefully) the nightlife in Calgary as well.
There are many perks. Should the public money go into financing this building? I think so - a lot of Calgarians will benefit from this in many ways (jobs, tourism dollars, taxes, increased culture, increased 'quality of life' in a way). How much is the question. I would absolutely HATE to see the city throwing money at the new building like Edmonton did. That, to me anyways, is a disgusting abuse of taxpayer's money.
I, for one, think that the city should continually throw money into the 'beautification' of the city. I enjoy living in a nice city that is visually appealing with lots of things to do. If some of my tax dollars go towards this, I am fine with it. It is an improvement in my own quality of life. Just don't go crazy subsidizing the vastly wealthy owners, but I do think it is fair to subsidize some (how much I don't exactly know, but I do think that it is fair to subsidize the owners for providing something that a large number of Calgarians can enjoy, and adds to the city's over-all appeal, not to mention increased revenue streams).
The smart thing to do is make another Olympics bid (IMO).
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