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Re: New enviornment deal costlier than the unique, Opinion, April 26
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It’s obscure who was representing the Calgary taxpayers on this new $1.22-billion enviornment deal.
In 2019, CSEC and town agreed to every pay $275 million for a constructing costing $550 million, which was to be owned by town. In December 2021, the deal was off with CSEC citing further venture prices.
Now, because of prolonged negotiations between the events, Calgary taxpayers wrestle to see the rationale of town choosing up the tab of $537.5 million and the Flames possession group solely choosing up the prices for the brand new venture of $356 million over a 35-year interval.
Since many Calgarians should not desirous about attending a Flames recreation, taxpayers needs to be asking no matter occurred to the equal share of prices idea proposed in 2019?
Metropolis favours particular non-public enterprise
The Calgary Flames and Calgary Sports activities and Leisure Corp. are each non-public enterprises, which got first choice on numerous city-owned lands near the location of the brand new enviornment and leisure centre. So, as traditional, town is ruled by the affect of particular privately owned firms and builders. Maybe there are a number of different events that now really feel snubbed by a missed enterprise alternative. In brief, the current unanimous metropolis council determination reveals that free enterprise shouldn’t be its goal. Kurt J. Hansen, Calgary
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Politicians serve self-interests
I think town’s millionaires are laughing on the financially inept and determined politicians who “negotiated” this enviornment deal.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek will utterly drain Calgary’s reserve fund, get no property tax income and danger extra taxpayer cash when it runs over funds, all earlier than the even bigger inexperienced line LRT will get going.
Premier Danielle Smith’s motivation can be a determined try to purchase Calgary votes with their very own cash. Her practically weekly giveaway bulletins make the NDP appear like amateurs.
The provincial election is rarely about one subject, however this one suggestions the stability for me, to anybody who will cease this taxpayer prepare wreck.
Ken Brandt, Calgary
Secrecy taints the deal
I’m assured NDP Chief Rachel Notley is correct — there are elements of the occasion centre deal which are distasteful and particulars is not going to be revealed, conveniently, till after the election. That is rather like town holding again its poor funds till after the Olympic vote. All supposed to deceive.
I’ve but to see one in every of these “offers” present the financing value to town, which runs within the tens of tens of millions. Allow us to bear in mind all residents of Calgary are being requested to pay for this centre however solely the prosperous can afford to go.
I feel it’s beneficiant sufficient for town to present the Flames the land for a hockey enviornment, so allow them to construct it and town can take care of an occasion centre.
Ivor Inexperienced, Calgary
