I didn't watch the feed or anything but I follow city politics and this particular deal closely. I understand the appearance of Farkas and how him and some others appear to be grandstanding, it's their "thing".
I am mostly supportive of this deal and I am in favor of doing it and think it's a decent deal for the city, I also know it's a sweetheart deal for the Flames. The Edmonton deal was literally highway robbery and a theft of taxpayers dollars, flat out.
What I don't like is this "illusion" that all this consultation occurred in the public forum and everything is on the up. Sure a lot of citizens knew that the Flames and the City/Stampede board were working on a deal behind close doors but the exact details were not made public until a week ago. Certain aspects of the deal and the optics aren't good and wouldn't be allowed if it wasn't for our beloved hockey club..
The real estate play is interesting, sure the Flames may pay fair market value for it in the future but what if a developer was willing to pay a premium for it? Isn't that like sole sourcing a contract? Why is it that they get first right of refusal for the purchase of city owned land? The answer is because they are contributing to a building that isn't their own? Would an energy company located in the downtown core be given the first right of refusal to purchase valuable land next to a tower where they are renting a couple of floors?
The naming rights, how did we come to the $250k a year for 10 years figure? What happens after 10 years? What if the naming rights come in a lot higher than expected when this thing opens in 4-5 years? Why isn't it a percentage? This is a city/ citizens owned building like we kept being told but it sounds like the citizens who are paying a huge portion of it have very little say.
Speaking of say, how many of the recommendations, suggestions or concerns put forth by the people are going to be addressed?
I get it that a lot of people want to see this project move on and are happy with it and consider a few days of chatter enough, I don't. I don't think a vote in September with some additional questions and answers would be the end of the world, it's not affecting the construction schedule at all.
As a crazy example, if I had proposed building a roadway parallel to Deerfoot Trail, complete with all the modern amenities, rest area's, fuel stations, coffee shops, washroom facilities and shopping along the way. I requested the city pay for MORE than 50% meanwhile I made it a toll highway, sold naming rights as Canadian Natural Resources Highway, give a little decent chunk back to the city, maintained it for 35 years and than forced the city to demolish Deerfoot Trail as it's my competitor. Plus I got all the cherries on top with regards to other valuable property etc.
I don't think anybody would think that a handful of days of discussion would be enough.
Anyhow I am glad it's over, I am looking forward to it and I will enjoy it. Hopefully this really does end being the cat's A** like we are all being sold it will be and that everybody benefits from this in a huge way both as a city, the citizens who will frequent the area and those who attend events.
Sorry about the long post!
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