- Jan 9, 2009
- 15,675
- 10,233
I don't know why people are talking about wanting free transit during Flames games. It's never going to happen.
In the latest development in a story that just won’t stop developing, the Globe and Mail’s Carrie Tait and Al Maki released deals they’ve obtained of the first offer from the Calgary Flames to the City of Calgary regarding the potential future home of the hockey club.
Originally proposed to the City back in February, the Flames’ offer reflects a vision that features a whole lot more than just an arena for the Flames.
According to the Globe’s report, the Flames would have participated financially – presumably with their proposed $275 million contribution – to the construction of a new arena and an adjacent practice arena. In addition, the Flames would be provided the following by the City:
And remember, the City’s $225 million contribution to the construction of the arena would be, in the Flames proposal, covered by a Community Revitalization Levy (despite that not being what they’re for). In other words, in the Flames’ first offer was that the City would use property taxes to pay for the arena (via the CRL), not charge the arena municipal property taxes (or rent), cover their provincial property taxes, cover transit service for a large number of events a year, cover flood insurance, and give the Flames a large amount of revenue from the non-profit Stampede’s coffers. Oh, and give them significant say over the development in the surrounding area. That’s a lot for the City to give to a commercial enterprise.
- The construction of a public plaza for festivals and events adjacent to the arena
- The option to buy and develop land adjacent to the arena
- Approval over the Victoria Park redevelopment plan
- Part of the revenue from the Cowboys Casino (which currently goes to the Stampede)
- All of the parking revenues from arena events (which, aside from Flames-owned lots, currently goes to the Stampede)
- The flood insurance, paid for by the City
- The provincial property taxes, covered by the City
- Free transit service for anybody with a ticket to an event at the arena
https://flamesnation.ca/2017/10/06/the-flames-wanted-a-lot-more-than-just-an-arena/