“Mayor MVP, Katz first star in arena project”

Edmonton Sun - Mayor MVP, Katz first star in arena project

From the Article

For a city that has consistently lacked the vision of Calgary, this $450-million arena and accompanying entertainment district is going to be a big step, combined with the new $350-million museum $88-million art gallery and $125 million in upgrades to Commowealth Stadium, to actually give Edmonton something to promote with that sponsorship money.

Also From the Article

“This is big step for the city of Edmonton. Not everyone supports what we do, but many people have the courage to build the city that I think in the past we might not have had.”

On every level, the Edmonton Arena District is a winner and as Jones points out, this is an example of some sorely needed vision in our city. Ten years from now, it will seem ridiculous that we spent so much time debating what will have clearly been a catalyst for positive change in downtown Edmonton.

“Staples: As both sides bend, there is no stopping downtown arena”

Edmonton Journal - Staples: As both sides bend, there is no stopping downtown arena

From the Article

My own take is that this project will happen. The arguments pushing it forward, mainly the arena district’s benefit to our downtown and the good that comes from securing the Oilers here for 35 more years, are sound.

More than that, both the Katz Group and city council are investing ever increasing amounts of time and millions of dollars in this process.

There is no stopping it.

I agree with everything Staples had to say except for the last “no stopping it” line. The anti-development crowd will retrench and make a concerted effort to make sure their collective voice is heard so it’s up to us as supporters to make sure we keep pressure on our elected officials to move this thing forward.

Click here for contact info for city council as well as your MLA and the Premier.

More Support for the EAD

There can never be too much support for the Edmonton Arena District. Visit these two new sites and give them some love.

Build the Arena

From the Build the Arena website:

A group of concerned business owners got together this week to discuss the incredible opportunity that exists in the capital region.

Our vision of the future of Edmonton and Northern Alberta includes an Iconic Arena District in the Capital City.

Heart of the Capital

From the Heart Of The Capital website:

This controversial issue has been surrounded with biased misinformation so we urge you to become more educated on the topic rather than believe rumours and politically motivated remarks.

All the Old Favourites

• Edmonton Arena District
• City of Edmonton
• Connect 2 Edmonton
• HF Boards (Latest on New YEG Arena)
• Follow the debate on Twitter using the #yegarena hashtag

Not done yet.

Edmonton Sun - Council makes concessions; arena deal in sight

Edmonton Journal - Stage set for downtown arena deal to get final OK

There are a lot of reasons to be excited by Friday’s announcement from City Hall. The downtown revitalization took another step forward thanks to compromise from both sides and now all that’s left is to break ground and drop the puck, right? If only it were that simple.

Contact the Premier and Your MLA

Thanks to your letters, emails, and phone calls, council took action, making a commitment to redevelopment and progress. But don’t put down that pen just yet; a critical component of this development is funding from the provincial government. That means more letters, emails, and phone calls.

Keep Telling City Council You Support the EAD

While it’s tempting to put our feet up and congratulate ourselves on a job well done, the truth is the anti-development crowd isn’t going to take their foot off the gas. They’ll keep voicing their opinion to anyone that will listen and the only way to counteract their commitment to the status quo is through emails and phone calls vocalizing your support for the EAD.

Who to Contact and How to Do It

By this point, the contact info for the city is probably burnt into your brain. Call 311 or send an email to councillors@edmonton.ca.

You can find the contact info for your MLA by clicking here: MLA Contact Information

And last but not least, you can contact our new Premier using any or all of this info:
Stay in Touch With Premier Redford

We Can See the Finish Line

The finish line is visible but we’re not there yet. Stay involved with the process. Give the EAD some love on Facebook and Twitter. Let your arena flag fly and let everyone know you support increased density, urban renewal, and downtown redevelopment!

“MacKinnon: Uncertainty over Edmonton arena casts shadow on Oilers”

Edmonton Journal - MacKinnon: Uncertainty over Edmonton arena casts shadow on Oilers

It looks like the EAD discussion is finally coming to a head, although one could argue that we should have been at this point years ago.

From the Article

For starters, he might point out that, whatever theoretical solutions might be dreamed up, the pragmatic reality is in a market the size of Edmonton, an entrepreneur like Katz, who is willing to contribute what amounts to $225 million toward a new arena is a rarity, if not unique.

Bettman might reinforce the hard reality that a new arena is a precondition for the long-term future of the Oilers in Edmonton, pure and simple.

If the downtown arena deal blows up, the options for Katz would be several, including selling the team for a minimum of $200 million to local interests.

But any new owner is going to demand a new arena sooner than later. Would a new owner, or ownership consortium be forthcoming with the equivalent of $225 million for a new facility? Doubtful.

Also From the Article

The choice is between taxpayers footing the entire bill for a new arena, or the entire cost of renovating Rexall Place and the flawed-but-fair private-public partnership Katz and the City have been working on for three years.

I think that what Edmontonians are finally starting to realize is that we’re going to invest tax dollars in an arena. Now we need to decide whether we want to invest in a revitalized downtown and the long-term stability of our Oilers or if we want to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into what’s nearly a 40 year old structure that’s long past its prime.

Make It Happen

I know I sound like a broken record but the best way to move this project forward is to speak up and get involved. You don’t need to camp out in front of city hall or get an Oilers tattoo on your throat but you do need to say your piece.

Call 311 and let the city know you support the Edmonton Arena District. If you’re feeling verbose, send an email to councillors@edmonton.ca telling the mayor et al to get this thing built!