Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
Major difference being none of the infrastructure thing are for profit businesses, which of course the Flames clearly are. This is subsidizing an already profitable company in an effort for them to make even more money. Forgive me but that's ridiculous and not something taxpayers should be doing. It's essentially corporate welfare, of course I don't blame them for wanting the money, I just hope they realize it's a massive uphill climb for them to convince people they should get it.
If the Flames were shedding money and needed a new arena to survive, so be it. But this is about, and Burke says it, "NHL economics" which is about more luxury suites and more lower bowl seats (which they can charge more for). Support infrastructure is fine (and if the West Village location is the choice, it's essential), but paying for the arena will never fly.
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Sorry but this part kills me in every argument. The City spends money on infrastructure for every business in Calgary via road improvements, sewer and electrical. This is the infrastructure everyone means, so even if they want to develop the area for housing and business they need to spend this money, nobody should be making this out to be that the City is spending money for the Flames owners. They will be spending money to get a business to invest in the city and pay taxes. Everyone should remember also that the City gave the land away to the developers for the East Village to get something started in the area, which will take another 10 years before we see any tax money recouped in the area.