CalgaryNEXT would transform the surrounding area, CEO says
“We’re not opposed to a new stadium at all, but it should be funded by the businesses selling tickets to events at the stadium,” one of the group’s unidentified organizers told the Herald in a message on Twitter.
“If the team owners think they can get taxpayer funding you can’t blame them for trying — they’d be crazy not to — but that doesn’t mean we should give it to them.”
Ken King, CEO of the ownership group, defended the proposal Wednesday, saying it would be a catalyst to transform the area that is currently plagued by traffic issues and environmental contamination.
“I’m not going to respond to a group of people who have not talked to us, who may or may not be knowledgeable in the project or the process, who are mustering a force to go against it,” King said, when told about the website and petition.
It’s unclear whether the city would be asked to back the $ 250 million for the ticket tax. King previously said the group might approach the city or seek traditional financing.
On Wednesday, King contended the ticket tax, like the $ 200 million contribution, could be considered private equity.
Further, a Community Revitalization Levy would require approval from the provincial government and be repaid by the city through property taxes from new developments in the designated zone.
Most on council have shown little appetite to finance the $ 250- million ticket tax or use the levy.
“You can say we’ll do a CRL on the West Village, but without a huge development you’re not getting any taxes,” said Coun. Shane Keating. “It has to be the other way around.”
“The Flames organization has to be on the hook for that $ 250 million and then as the development goes forward and the taxes come in then they would get paid back.”
Premier Rachel Notley has remained
If the team owners think they can get taxpayer funding you can’t blame them for trying ... but that doesn’t mean we should give it to them.
fairly tight- lipped over the province contributing any money to CalgaryNEXT but hasn’t slammed the door on that happening either — a move that irked Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.
“My expectation would be if they’re going to spend new money on any aspect of revitalization of downtown Calgary, that we be given the same opportunity,” Iveson said.