Saw this bit on the CalgaryNext Website, I think it demonstrates a good deal of the pie-in-the-sky dreaming going on by the proponents of the project:
"Compact Urban Form: The site is well-connected to transit via the Sunalta LRT station, river pathways, and surrounding community streets. There is also plenty of direct access to major roadways like Bow Trail."
To break it down:
1) Sunalta station is one station, the Dome currently has two, if you want to walk a little. I don't think the platform capacity at Sunalta could handle the crowds.
2) "Well connected by river pathways"?! Are they drunk? There's no way to the North side of the river anywhere near there. And are people supposed to cycle to the NYE's game on December 31 when it's -20?
3) "Well connected by surrounding community streets"?! They are drunk. Sunalta is largely closed off; those community streets only go to that community. Which is great for fans....who live in Sunalta.
4) "Direct access from major roadways like Bow Trail." First of all, that's only one roadway not multiple roadways, second, who cares there's only 1500 parking spots. Third, it'll still be congested anyway because there's only one way in and out.
Needs a bridge, a separate roadway, larger/multiple c-train stations, and ideally year-round hovercraft public transport from the river. That or blimp public transportation; many tiny blimps.
In short, I love the idea, it's just really in the wrong spot.
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