Quote:
Originally Posted by N-E-B
I just don't get why they'd be more willing to drop all this money into an Olympic bid as opposed to a new arena.
That doesn't mean I'm advocating building the Flames a new rink with 100% public funds, but to me it seems like they have the money and they're willing to spend it. Why not "waste" it on a rink so we can have Flames hockey and the big concerts that are skipping town for 30 years instead of on a two week party in 8 years? Just screams of Nenshi wanting a legacy that satisfies his ego.
Admittedly I'm not overly knowledgeable on the subject, so if I'm off base feel free to correct me.
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There isn't the potential for large sums of provincial and federal money for a new arena. There might be for the Olympics to build infrastructure the city needs for beyond the Olympics that might not be high on the priority list for the province and feds otherwise (Calgary isn't exactly a swing riding city. No party needs to give us money).
It isn't about a 2 week party. It's about what gets built for that two week party that would last for decades beyond.Vancouver got the Canada Line, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, a rec centre and a convention centre expansion rammed through because of the Olympics. Calgary also has wish list items that are in need of higher level funding, so what can get it that can be put under the Olympic umbrella?
So that's the reason. People still might not like it, but that's the reason. The party and other stuff is just the gravy.