Virtually all questions about the proposed downtown arena remain unanswered after last Thursday’s update from Edmonton City administration, says local advocacy group Speak Up, Edmonton.
What's wrong with the proposed
EDMONTON DOWNTOWN ARENA DEVELOPMENT?
It’s not government’s role to subsidize private business.
- The City of Edmonton plans to use tax dollars to build a private business its facility, not charge the business to use the facility, give all the facility’s revenues from other tenants to that business, and close a competing facility owned by a non-profit organization. See our funding model page.
From its beginning, the arena process has seemed questionable and motivated towards one result.
- Has the City been objective in performing due diligence and examining alternatives? Or did the City start with its conclusion – and then work backwards to justify that conclusion?
Downtown revitalization and a downtown arena are two entirely separate issues.
- Edmonton’s downtown is already revitalizing at a natural and sustainable pace, without subsidization – and without an arena. If we choose to accelerate this pace, there are much better alternatives than currently proposed.
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City of Edmonton employees are abusing their public role and are advocating on behalf of a private business, says Speak Up, Edmonton!
Four polls now show overwhelming public opposition to spending public money on a new downtown arena, Speak Up, Edmonton! said Monday. According to group president and spokesperson Lorne Humphreys, “Each poll conducted by an independent agency asking clear, unambiguous questions shows Edmontonians firmly opposed.
Speak Up, Edmonton! is clarifying the 400 million dollar taxpayer cost for the arena project that the group highlights in its advertising campaign. According to group spokesperson Lorne Humphreys, “If anything, we should have said 500 million dollars or more. We sincerely apologize to any Edmontonians who may have been misled by our excessively conservative estimate of 400 million dollars.”