Contentious Calgary arena deal enters 3rd day of council debate
Debate over the proposed new arena deal resumes at Calgary city hall Wednesday afternoon, after it was revealed earlier this week the cost had risen from $550 million to $608 million.
The higher cost is being split by the city and the Calgary Sport and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), with up to $25 million earmarked for costs overrun, as per the 2019 agreement, but there is still concern around what the city will pay.
The original contract included a 50/50 split of the proposed $550-million cost to replace the aging Saddledome and provide a new home for the Calgary Flames, Hitmen, Roughnecks and touring events and concerts. Now, both sides are committing an additional $12.5 million and anything beyond this will not be pegged to the city.
The new totals are $287.5 million for the city, and $321 million for CSEC, however this doesn't paint the whole picture for taxpayers.
The city is on the hook for up to $10 million for site preparation, including flood mediation, and more than $4.5 million is for utility relocation, and transportation costs which Mayor Naheed Nenshi says will be minor.
Nenshi also says plans were redrawn because the initial design was not considered accessible, there weren't enough women's washrooms, and luxury boxes were disproportionate to regular seating.
"It's kind of like hiring somebody to build a house for you and the project goes over budget, you have to pay even more and you are giving over complete control over what ultimately gets built," said Ward 11 Coun. Jeromy Farkas, who is running for mayor in October.
"You're still on the hook for the money but you have no insurance that what's going to be built is actually going to serve your needs."
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation is out as project manager as Flames ownership seek one of their choosing.
"I believe our partner is saying, 'we will take on all costs overruns above and beyond anything that's in front of you today,' and remember, there's 12-and-a-half, plus 10, plus 10, plus unnamed operating costs before us today, but they will take on cost overruns for the building," said Ward 3 Coun, Jyoti Gondek, who is also running for mayor.
Debate in council chambers is expected to be heated when it resumes at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.