Quote:
Originally Posted by Lubicon
I'm not opposed to this deal, there was always going to be taxpayer money involved and Calgary needs a new rink. However as I mentioned yesterday prior to the announcement the Alberta taxpayer will be paying roughly double whatever the contribution is to the arena project. And it didn't take long after the announcement to see it begin. Edmonton's mayor was asked about the deal and while congratulating the City of Calgary for getting a new arena he flat out said he would be making a call to the Province to ask for an equivalent amount of infrastructure money ($300 million) since Edmonton was flat out turned down for funding when Rogers was built. So Calgary's new rink will really cost Alberta taxpayers about $600 million in new spending.
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That was addressed in the press conference. There was already an imbalance in the funds awarded to the two cities for infrastructure programs, with Edmonton having a $300 million benefit advantage over Calgary. This was evening that playing field. Edmonton can ask, but they are already receiving that money.