Taxpayers group questions public dollars in arena deal as supporters hail district revamp

A day after the city officials and the Alberta government announced they'd reached an arena deal in principle with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) and the Calgary Stampede, critics are taking aim at the use of public dollars to build an arena, saying there are more critical issues facing taxpayers.

"We've got record-high dependence on food banks, people are struggling with inflation, they're struggling to afford their homes. Is this really appropriate use of taxpayers money to build an NHL arena? No, it's not," said Kris Sims, the Alberta director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

But as critics attacked the use of public dollars in the proposed development, supporters emphasized the deal goes beyond replacing the aging Saddledome and offers much-needed revitalization in the surrounding area.

"There is so much to gain from having a 'master planned' culture and entertainment district," said David Lo, executive director of the Victoria Park Business Improvement Area. "That's the real prize here." 

The city is committing $537 million toward a new event centre that will replace the Saddledome and anchor the Rivers District, which includes East Village and Victoria Park, the city said. The project's total price tag is pegged at $1.2 billion.

The provincial government said it will contribute $300 million toward surrounding infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and parking. It's investing another $30 million to cover half the cost of a separate community arena. The city and CSEC will split the other half of that cost.

The Calgary Flames ownership group will be spending $40 million upfront, and an additional $17 million per year, increasing one per cent each year over 35 years.

The Canadian