Pro sports in investment plan ruffles feathers at city hall

The city’s new capital investment plan, approved by council Monday, pitches fostering professional sports by building new facilities and amenities in a “culture and entertainment district” in the inner-city.

But, the mayor and deputy city manager maintain the capital plan doesn’t mean Calgary NEXT, or the so-called Plan B, are a sure thing.

No decision has been made on Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp.’s 2015 pitch for a hybrid hockey arena, football stadium and multi-sport field house in the West Village.

The city is still examining Plan B— a new arena on the Stampede grounds, a field house in the northwest, and renovations to McMahon Stadium.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he was “disturbed” by the professional sports reference in the report and can see why people may think the new capital spending plan, which also includes an “innovation, education and wellness district” near McMahon Stadium as a priority, could be linked to plans for an arena or stadium.

“I just want to be super clear about this because when I saw it there, I thought what probably many people would have thought, which is, ‘Have they made any decisions on public funding of professional sports facilities?’ The answer is no,” he told reporters Monday.

“The reason that was included in there is because the city was trying to show its whole work plan and they have been instructed to look at what we’ve been calling Plan B. That’s the only reason it was in there.”

The proposed capital investment plan aims to spur economic growth through projects that include the northwest innovation hub and a “cultural and entertainment district” that covers areas on the east end of downtown, the Rivers District, Victoria Park and the Stampede grounds.

While discussing the 2017 budget, which included the capital investment plan, on Monday afternoon, Coun. Druh Farrell questioned why the document referenced fostering professional sports and what message that sends to the public.

“There’s, of course, specific reference to professional sport and I want to ensure that council isn’t being painted into a corner,” she said.

“We haven’t made a decision on professional sports in this particular area.”

Deputy city manager Brad Stevens told Farrell the reference is related to Plan B discussions, which the city is “still considering.”

Earlier in the day, Stevens told council a culture and entertainment district would attract tourism, business and high-profile events to the city.

“Dynamic cities that offer a variety of cultural experiences … and a variety of housing options, and shopping, attract people and businesses and bring much economic value to a city,” he said.

Steve Allan, chair of Calgary Economic Development’s board of directors, spoke at Monday’s meeting in favour of the city’s capital investment plan.

“These are projects that will not only create needed jobs through the construction phase but they will also facilitate and attract long-term employment opportunities,” Allan said.

There’s ... reference to professional sport and I want to ensure that council isn’t being painted into a corner.