Quote:
Originally Posted by Travis Munroe
I'm voting yes because I'm sick of a dying Calgary with no end in sight. I'm voting yes because I believe there is a deal to be had with the flames which looks much better for tax payers than the previous deal. I'm voting yes because it means billions into this city we would never see without the olympics. Taxes are going up either way people.... We either try something drastic or slowly bleed out.
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I am 100% on your side with this. It's guaranteed free money on the table that would otherwise go to other things not guaranteed to improve Calgary. It's simple as that for me. The risk inherent with cost overruns is no different than any major project - it's not a deal breaker for me, otherwise we'd have the same debate about any major development in the city. We are a city of good planners, thinkers and experienced builders that wouldn't undertake this if we didn't see value in it on multiple fronts. I also think that property taxes are moot point since they go up anyways, and we would have 7-8 years to prepare for any cost overruns that may happen (and plenty of time for redesigns if necessary).
I don't see it fixing the economy, but I do see it as part of a long-game to Calgary's eventual renewal - something we are going to need to basically compete with the other Canadian cities for investment, talent, and to maintain it as an attractive place to live.
I think there is too much misplaced anger towards BidCo since most people don't know all the context (including the Yes side) but are unfairly assuming a disaster scenario.