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Amid the uproar over Brian Burke’s threats that the Flames would leave Calgary if they don’t get a new rink, councillors say negotiations between the NHL club and the city are going well, with a new deal expected to be revealed soon.

“I love Burke, but Burke can be a hothead and a blowhard,” said Diane Colley-Urquhart, councillor for Ward 13.

“We are in the short strokes of putting together a deal that people can live with. It will be made public in the next few weeks.

Coun. Jim Stevenson agreed, adding that city council has been well-informed of negotiations throughout the process.

“We have been kept informed of the work that’s been going on at the negotiating table, and we are hearing very positive things,” said Stevenson, councillor for Ward 3. “We’re going to see something good come out of this.

“I’m surprised the Flames haven’t informed him (Brian Burke).”

Coun. Ward Sutherland says the Flames, along with city officials and consultants, have been researching the Victoria Park option for over a year, and are close to settling on a compromise.

“It’s been a very long process, a very complicated process, with many different variations,” he said, explaining that a good deal would have to involve a range of economic benefits to the city beyond just the Calgary Flames, including conventions and big-name concerts.

“There is no yes or no here. It’s more complex than that. But we’re not going to be just handing over a bunch of money.”

Sutherland added that it’s critical a decision be made before this fall’s municipal election, before rookie councillors are added to council without the background required to make good decisions.

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-...burkes-threats