Quote:
Originally Posted by DiracSpike
There is no proposal for a new arena now. Until there is you can't include it in your calculus because it's imaginary.
Just again, when people think "massive infrastructure" they think roads, public transport, major projects. Not piecemeal upgrades to half century old buildings that already exist and some affordable housing. On top of all of that, the city could build all of those things and then some for a fraction of the 1B Olympic contribution.
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But the problem is they won't without the federal and provincial funding, which as history has shown, does not often come our way absent something like this.
I feel without the Olympics, we do not get any infrastructure funds from provincial or federal government, or at least nowhere near as much.
Perhaps in a perfect world we get the same amount and can allocate it elsewhere, but I do not believe or see that happening, thus for me, while I am 100% in favour of the Olympics as an event in and of itself, I feel the opportunity to receive provincial and federal funds which I don't believe would otherwise come our way is a large benefit.
I also do believe this can speed up and / or assist the negotiation on a new event centre, as I read Nenshi's comment towards the mid-sized event centre being not a legacy as perhaps those funds could then be contributed to a new, large event centre, and make up the difference between CSEC and the City. I know some are saying that is not in the bid, and it is not, but there is lots of room for movement and amendment within the bid.