[feepa]

Why is it that in Vancouver, they can replace the roof of a stadium for 458 M dollars, and nobody really cares, but here in Edmonton, the thought of spending less money on a brand new facility is shunned upon?

fgYG4PPYiJA

It seems that in In BC and Vancouver, they dream and have visions as high as the mountains in the area. Here in the middle of the bald prairie potholes, homeless and 20 billion dollar ring roads come first, and we should never ever spend money on frivolous such expenses as galleries and arenas, especially if its hard to park a dually super-extended cab F-650 at or near.

[Coldrsx]

^cause, lotusland is utopia and if you complain about anything a bubble comes and takes you away.

[Rocket252]

^ They are up their eyeballs in debt with the Olympics.

My family who lives there said the people are not happy with all the spending.

[naidoo]

Lotusland is great, but it's no utopia.

- high debt
- ridiculous homelessness/income disparity

and UBC is garbage for a number of fields. They don't even have a bloody neuroscience department...NEUROSCIENCE!! :haha:

[Coldrsx]

^do Not Insult The Utopia.

[Coldrsx]

Public invited to Edmonton arena meeting


BY KAREN KLEISS, EDMNONTONJOURNAL.COM MAY 19, 2010 10:31 AM COMMENTS (1)


STORYPHOTOS ( 5 )VIDEO ( 1 )



More Images »

Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Katz Group, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — The city is inviting Edmontonians to a public meeting Wednesday night to discuss the proposed downtown arena.

The controversial proposal calls for the creation of a new arena and entertainment district in the area near 104 Avenue and 101 Street.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Public+invited+Edmonton+arena+meeting/3047530/story.html#ixzz0oOX7uB2Z

[craner]

^cause, lotusland is utopia and if you complain about anything a bubble comes and takes you away.

:haha: very clever.

If I'm not mistaken the Provice of BC is paying for the majority (possibly all) of the new roof on BC Place.

[Rogie]

Why is it that in Vancouver, they can replace the roof of a stadium for 458 M dollars, and nobody really cares, but here in Edmonton, the thought of spending less money on a brand new facility is shunned upon?

It seems that in In BC and Vancouver, they dream and have visions as high as the mountains in the area. Here in the middle of the bald prairie potholes, homeless and 20 billion dollar ring roads come first, and we should never ever spend money on frivolous such expenses as galleries and arenas, especially if its hard to park a dually super-extended cab F-650 at or near.

The new roof is being paid for by the province, and they're hoping condo development around the stadium will be enough to cover the cost. I live in Vancouver, and trust me, there's lots of controversy about the new roof. Plus, there's a reason it's called no-fun-couver.

[240glt]

How does a new roof on BC place spur condo development ? That doesn't make any sense.

[Coldrsx]

what a fun meeting... although i am not quite sure what kind of meeting we were at.

although expected, it is rather unfortunate how many people are either ignorant or grossly misinformed.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I've been knocking back stiff shots of dark rum since I came home from that meeting, just so I can erase from my mind some of the lunatic rantings that assaulted my ears. Fucking hell. :koko:

[Coldrsx]

3 pils are not enough

[Hallsy's Toupee]

A brief summary from my perspective:
One of the first people to step up to the mic was this old man who ranted and raved about everything under the sun like an Edmonton Sun letter-to-the-editor come to life (I missed his point of his rambling), this elderly lady railed at the Katz group over Century Park and LRT expansion (uhm...OK), and someone else was all "but the immigrants, won't someone please think about the immigrants because they aren't into hockey". Some expressed concerns about Stanley Cup riots moving to downtown. The inevitable parking/traffic questions were raised. On the other hand, some people asked some good hard questions about the zoning application and what it all means.

[Shodan]

Arena plan draws sharp criticism
Downtown residents fear cost, traffic increase

Florence Loyie
Edmonton Journal

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A public meeting Wednesday night to discuss the creation of a new Arena and Entertainment District for the proposed downtown arena was hijacked by residents concerned about funding and drawing undesirables to the area.

The meeting drew about 150 people, most of whom listened quietly to what the rezoning proposal means for the area and why it is needed to accommodate the proposed arena and entertainment complex...

floyie@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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[Coldrsx]

^unfortunately this meeting went WAY off course and although it was reinforced at the outset this was a meeting for the rezoning, apparently people cannot listen and as such we heard the kitchen sink about why this is a bad bad stupid oh wont someone think of the children plan.

[0773|=\]

Was this meeting an appropriate place to bring up the Winter Garden component of the application? Did anyone bring that up?

[Airboy]

Had a good look around AT&T field (Giants) in San Fran this week, also talked with a number of people about the area. Other than all the people moving out of the stadium at the end of the game, most like the development. I was impressed with how close residential buildings were to the stadium itself.

If the San Fran development is similar to what Katz has planned then I’m all for it.

On a side note our sports stadiums need to have the same level of food and beverage choices as found in Giants stadium. Walking around before and during the game I noticed how this was more a social events as apposed to a sports event. I’ve been to Games in TO and Montreal ( Expos years) and have never had a better time, is this a US phenomenon. The prices were the same we pay at Oilers games but my god the variety of food and beverages.

[Coldrsx]

Was this meeting an appropriate place to bring up the Winter Garden component of the application? Did anyone bring that up?

the winter garden is not part of the rezoning we were told as of last night so no, not the right time.

we plan to find out when the 'right time' is

[Rocket252]

^unfortunately this meeting went WAY off course and although it was reinforced at the outset this was a meeting for the rezoning, apparently people cannot listen and as such we heard the kitchen sink about why this is a bad bad stupid oh wont someone think of the children plan.

So as mentioned before in this thread why is getting anything done with regards to Arenas, stadiums in this city such a long painfull exercise?

It makes the city look bush league when people drag every problem the city has into these meetings.

As well the petty political games that are played by the various parties frustrates people even more.

Although council keeps denying it there WILL be public money used to build this thing - whether by taxes, levys or other creative financing schemes.

[Qafir Arnaut]

why is getting anything done with regards to Arenas, stadiums in this city such a long painfull exercise?

They have to keep up the appearance of some democracy. (A total sham if you ask me). Besides, for whatever reason, most folks who live in condos in downtown are old windbags. Its a complete upside-down mess.

[Rogie]

How does a new roof on BC place spur condo development ? That doesn't make any sense.

Sorry, I didn't explain that very well. They're selling the small parking lot to the west of the stadium, and hoping that generates the money needed to pay for the new roof.

Condo development pays for just about EVERYTHING in Vancouver... that and gas tax. Lots of gas tax.

[Coldrsx]

Edmonton arena talk is not only cheap, but plentiful

Arena proposal bound to move slowly

BY JOHN MACKINNON, EDMONTON JOURNAL MAY 21, 2010 6:43 AM COMMENTS (3)


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



with John MacKinnon
Photograph by: Staff photo, Edmonton Journal
I went to a downtown arena zoning meeting the other night and a verbal donnybrook broke out.

When it comes to assessing a zoning application for a downtown arena and entertainment district, democracy can be messy, but it can also be disjointed, off-topic, ill-informed and slightly incoherent.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Talk+only+cheap+plentiful/3055258/story.html#ixzz0oZnS2VMN

[Coldrsx]

tsn story on the new rink

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=322173

[Coldrsx]

as rumoured

Edmonton arena hearing postponed

Katz Group says it needs more time to develop a funding model

EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM JUNE 7, 2010 3:10 PM COMMENTS (1)


STORYPHOTOS ( 7 )VIDEO ( 1 )



More Images »

Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Katz Group, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — A public hearing on the proposed arena district has been postponed until at least the fall.

The hearing w



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+arena+hearing+postponed/3123886/story.html#ixzz0qCqkiIdT

[Coldrsx]

s the Katz Group wise to put off its zoning application for a downtown arena until the fall?
Yes, we need answers on funding
41.79 %
No, this is a costly delay
8.93 %
Makes no difference, it will go ahead anyway
32.50 %
Makes no difference, it will never fly
16.79 %

[Shodan]

Arena offers extraordinary opportunity

Gene Dub
Freelance

Saturday, June 19, 2010

As much as I enjoy a good hockey game, I enjoy a good debate about a downtown hockey arena even more. When the four architecturally trained "know-it-alls" in my family get together around the kitchen table, opinions about the Edmonton arena are split down the middle. Half of us think the arena is good for downtown, half think it's bad. Half think the developer should totally pay for this money-generator, half think some public involvement and public funding is warranted...

Gene Dub is an Edmonton architect and former city councillor
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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[CMD UW]

^Gene wrote a good article.

My take on his three considerations are:

1. Connect the "North Edge" residential community to downtown

Connecting the North Edge via the Arena District to the downtown core is very, very important. Although existing connections along 101 Street and 105 Street already provide this 'connection', a midpoint link via 103 Street would be ideal. This would direct pedestrian traffic through the block improving opportunities to support retail and commercial uses.

2. Trade the "City Park" for a "Celebration Square"

Providing some type of public space as part of the Arena District is vital. This space will serve as a community gathering place for the public. I like how in Genes concept the square is located at the SW corner of 103 Ave and 103 Street. This opens up the public space to the street and maximizes its exposure sun ensuring natural light throughout the majority of the day.

3. Make 103rd Street an imaginative pedestrianized street

I think this is an excellent idea. Not only will this serve as an important corridor linking the North Edge with the future NAIT and West LRT lines, it will establish a connection to Jasper Avenue.

Anyways, there are some good points here that should be and can be incorporated into the proposed Arena District.

Gene really struck a chord with this statement: "The arena project needs a stronger community-based approach if it's looking for any public funding."

He is absolutely correct. A community-based planning approach can do wonders in garnering support from the public and ultimately support for using public funds. The community has to see a benefit beyond the 'bricks and mortar'.

[0773|=\]

Most columns I have read thus far by Journal staff, etc., have confused the public as to what aspects of the development proposal they support / oppose in Katz's present renditions (funding model, urban design, and so on). Because of this lack of clarity, I've had this growing concern that support for the kind of development Edmonton really wants has become too fragmented--that the reasons for the project not to go ahead will create a stronger voice for this not getting off the ground.

All that being said, THANK YOU GENE DUB for writing a clear article that gives Edmontonians an idea of how much better-integrated this project could be with the existing and planned developments in the downtown. I hope a lot of people read it.

Dub's design will likely never get used, but he might be the right person to show Edmonton that there's some good in the Katz proposal, and some things that need to be changed.

[Coldrsx]

Good article with some interesting ideas that while I dont think he hit the nail on the head in potential locations or concepts, he does make some valid points about how the project needs more thought put into it.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I found a old section of the Journal (July 1978). It was a Commonwealth Games special addition. There was a great article regarding the cost of Commonwealth Stadium and they were comparing it to Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Of course 1978 dollars, but pretty staggering (for both stadiums).
Commonwealth Stadium - $20.8 million
Olympic Stadium - $810 million

[Coldrsx]

^wow!

If that 810mil is all stadium.... unreal.

[Mycroft]

Most of that is interest collected on a bad deal from the start. The whole project was a total debacle from the start, plagued by slimy 'business' and political maneuvers

Forbes ranked it as the second most expensive stadium ever built a little while back. What a deal for Commonwealth though...Even in 2009 dollars!

[cdnklc]

Most of that is interest collected on a bad deal from the start. The whole project was a total debacle from the start, plagued by slimy 'business' and political maneuvers

Forbes ranked it as the second most expensive stadium ever built a little while back. What a deal for Commonwealth though...Even in 2009 dollars!

nope... something in the range of 770-820 million has always been just the total construction - and repair and remedial - costs to build "the big owe" (much of which - including the completion of the roof more than a decade later - was spent following the olympics).

the total cost with interest and inflation is variously estimated to be in the 1.4 to 1.6 billion dollar range.

[rapid_business]

...and now is not even used for pro-sports except for the odd event or major concert.

[bulliver]

Wikipedia is telling me the Alouettes play there. Is that not true?

[Harrison]

Only for playoff games I think, but their regular season is played at Percival Molson Stadium at McGill.

[hilman]

They play one playoff game a year there (and the odd Grey Cup), you think they would play more as the stadium at McGill only holds 20,002.

[bulliver]

Thanks guys...

[Mycroft]

nope... something in the range of 770-820 million has always been just the total construction - and repair and remedial - costs to build "the big owe" (much of which - including the completion of the roof more than a decade later - was spent following the olympics).

the total cost with interest and inflation is variously estimated to be in the 1.4 to 1.6 billion dollar range.

Woops, you are correct sir...it is the overall 1.4-1.6 billion dollar sum that is comprised mostly of interest, although the following quote doesn't seem entirely accurate either if the cost was 770-820 mil:

"The total price tag [of Montreal's Olympic Stadium], adjusted for today's dollars, was $1.4 billion, with more than $900 million of that being interest."

- Andrew Egan, Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/06/expensive-stadiums-worldwide-forbeslife-cx_ae_0806sports.html

although I don't know where this guy got his info from. Anyways, getting back on track...

[Jasper and one o nin]

^The article that I have is from 1978 - and it states $810 million. I will try to scan it when I get home tonight.

[bigcitydude]

the Big Owe is Canada's most expensive DUMP!!!

[Shodan]

It's not just an arena -- it's a big piece of the downtown puzzle

Gary Lamphier
Edmonton Journal

Thursday, June 24, 2010

There's no silver bullet, no simple fix, no surefire way to staunch the bleeding.

But unless Edmonton works even harder to transform its still-shabby downtown core into a more lively and engaging place to live, work and play, the city will continue to bleed corporate head offices...

glamphier@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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[Coldrsx]

^that it is... done right, funded right, and designed right.

[Shodan]

'Culture clash' keeps council, Katz apart on arena

Scott McKeen
Edmonton Journal

Friday, June 25, 2010

Here's hoping the Edmonton Oilers' first overall draft pick enjoys Rexall Place.

At this pace, Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall will retire before Oilers owner Daryl Katz gets a downtown arena.

Another setback for the arena came this week when council rejected the idea of private negotiations with the Katz Group to push things forward. Council instead invited Katz officials to present their plans in public. Council also asked city staff to research the merits and funding options for a new arena...

smckeen@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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[feepa]

didn't council or perhaps just one councillor recently give Katz trouble for putting this before the public before council, and now they don't want to meet Katz in private, they want to meet him in public?

in reality, we are unlikely to hear much movement on this till post-october election.

[CMD UW]

If anyone believes that the Katz group has not met with Councilors 'in private' are mistaken. This is how ALL developers work when it comes to 'lobbying' Council members.

[Shodan]

Katz reportedly after Hamilton arena

John MacKinnon
Edmonton Journal

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz's Rexall Sports Corp. may be looking to take control of the lease of Hamilton's Copps Coliseum, according to Sportsnet. ca.

In an unsourced report on its web-site, Sportsnet. ca speculates the motivation for such a move would be to "control the potential arrival of a relocated or expansion NHL team."...

jmackinnon@thejournal. canwest. com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=aa77b7ea-78a2-4d0f-9e0e-f9bc8a6e8d51&sponsor=

[Coldrsx]

^interesting development, although I see it as more of a smart business decision for Hamilton is a strong hockey market for future NHL or farm teams.

[Coldrsx]

Katz Group doesn't help its cause by blindsiding city hall


By Paula Simons, edmontonjournal.com July 3, 2010 Comments (15)



* Story
* Photos ( 2 )


Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.

More Images »

Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Katz Group, edmontonjournal.com

EDMONTON - The rumour first broke in the hockey blogosphere and on Twitter Monday night.

The Katz Group was negotiating to take over the operation of Hamilton's Copps Coliseum, as well as that city's proposed and controversial new football stadium.

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/Katz+Group+doesn+help+cause+blindsiding+city+hall/3232506/story.html#ixzz0se5jIyOt

[Coldrsx]

Cost estimate of modernizing Rexall Place drops

Estimate of new downtown arena cost also lower

By Gordon Kent, edmontonjournal.com July 5, 2010 6:02 PM Comments (11)



* Story
* Photos ( 1 )


Rexall Place as seen in Google Earth

Rexall Place as seen in Google Earth
Photograph by: Capture, Google Earth

EDMONTON — The cost of modernizing Rexall Place has dropped significantly from initial estimates and is now much closer to the price of building a downtown arena, Coun. Ed Gibbons says.

HOK Sports estimated in 2007 it would take about $250 million to expand and upgrade the 36-year-old facility, but a recent analysis put the current budget around $175 million to $190 million, Gibbons said Monday.

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Cost+estimate+modernizing+Rexall+Place+drops/3238773/story.html#ixzz0srm5zxhH

[hilman]

Beautiful, can we start the new arena tomorrow? :tup:

[Coldrsx]

An interesting stat from TSN on Winnipeg:

"The most common question asked about Winnipeg is if it has the corporate muscle. The research firm Environics Analytics turned up 272 businesses in Winnipeg with at least 100 employees and more than $20 million in sales.

That's just over half of what exists in Edmonton."

[feepa]

^ link to that? I would like to read more

[Coldrsx]

^www.tsn.ca/youarelazy

[feepa]

^www.tsn.ca/youarelazy (http://www.tsn.ca/youarelazy)

The page you requested generated an error or cannot be found.
Please browse through our Site Map to find what you are looking for and please report any website problems to our Technical Team (tech@tsn.ca?subject=**Feedback%20-%20Error%20Message**).


Something is wrong with your link...

[RTD]

^ link to that? I would like to read more

Final grade for Winnipeg: B

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326714

So far, the final grade for Hamilton: D- :D

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/why-not-hamilton/article1629193/

[RTD]

Incidentally, what do Edmontonians think of Katz investing in Copps Collesium and surrounding area in Hamilton? I'm wondering why he would invest in another city instead of investing what money he has in a brand, new, downtown arena for the hockey team of his home town, Edmonton? As he can't possibly own two NHL teams, I'm wondering what his motives are regarding Hamilton.

[hilman]

I think he is expanding his sports and entertainment business. Get in before an NHL team and reap the rewards (he wouldn't own the team, just the facility operations), plus the Pan Am games will also be there. An AEG Canada if you will, he started by buying the Oilers, then the Edmonton Capitals baseball team, had an purchase offer in for the Argos and now the Ticats are part of this deal. He has also bought Aquila Productions, a firm specializing in video/film productions (mainly sports) and is starting to be a concert promoter at the baseball stadium in Edmonton, all things point to his next billion dollar company (that is based in Edmonton).

[christopherj]

Beautiful, can we start the new arena tomorrow? :tup:

No, lets wait until things pick up again and it's $600 million.

[Keats82]

Those links to the EJ result in my eyes (and website window) exploding.
:slob:

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Katz returns to $100M Edmonton arena offer

EDMONTON — Daryl Katz has offered an olive branch to city council by promising to fulfil his $100-million commitment to a downtown arena.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Katz+returns+100M+Edmonton+arena+offer/3273014/story.html#ixzz0tbJq0hZ0

[Coldrsx]

Olive branch... chuckle, but good to see that return to the table.

[oiler-dude]

Olive branch... chuckle, but good to see that return to the table.

So correct me if I'm wrong, the new price quoted for a downtown arena is $250M, with a renovated Rexall now being $190M. With Katz's promised contributions...

Cost to the city:

Renovate Rexall: $190M
Build a new Downtown Arena: $150M ($250 - Katz' $100M)

Seems an easy choice, even for Caterina. :haha:

[bulliver]

^ Ah, he'll still bitch about Rexall being underutilized...

[Coldrsx]

I would still put a downtown rink at more in the 250-300 range, even with suppressed materials.

But it is nice to see it perhaps a step more viable now.

[CMD UW]

This is good news. His original committment of $100 million towards the arena should never have been 'misinterpreted' in the first place. I think this should go over better with the public.

[Keats82]

Yesh, this is good news. Let's hope we get no more pouty faces in the Batcave. :P

[Shodan]

Councillors not sold on latest Katz offer
More plans to be revealed at council next week

Gordon Kent
Edmonton Journal

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Katz Group's proposal to put $100 million into a downtown arena rather than surrounding development doesn't seem to be making a big impact on city councillors.

While some welcome the move, they say they're still waiting for a detailed proposal from the company before deciding if the project is a good idea...

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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[Coldrsx]

Edmonton arena surcharge pondered

$5 per event could help cover cost

BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM JULY 15, 2010 11:21 AM COMMENTS (1)


STORYPHOTOS ( 4 )



More Images »

An artists' rendering of a a one-acre pedestrian “winter garden” that would be part of the Katz Group's proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Supplied, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — A new report suggests charging a $5 ticket surcharge for events at a new downtown Edmonton arena to help cover construction costs.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Edmonton+arena+surcharge+pondered/3282291/story.html#ixzz0tm2adTR1

[Kevin_foster]

^ hmm... here's me being a simpleton, but $5 per ticket would only equate to about 4mm in year in revenues (40 home games, 16,000 tickets per game, then playoffs...) It would take over 35 years to pay off 150mm with a ticket surcharge like that.

But, it's a start?

[christopherj]

^ hmm... here's me being a simpleton, but $5 per ticket would only equate to about 4mm in year in revenues (40 home games, 16,000 tickets per game, then playoffs...) It would take over 35 years to pay off 150mm with a ticket surcharge like that.

But, it's a start?

Although you're missing out on every other event (Oil Kings, Rush, concerts, CFR, curling, etc). Assume $5 * 150 dates used (probably a good average) * 12,000 fans average (obviously some such as Oilers would draw closer to 18k while some such as the Rush would be more like 9-10k) would give about $9 million a year, which reduces it to 17 years. Much better than 35.

You could also charge a large fee for corporate boxes, etc perhaps?

I think it is a viable option - especially if there were agreements in place where Katz group guarantees to cover cost overruns or something similar?

[TimB09]

Edmonton arena surcharge pondered

$5 per event could help cover cost

BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM JULY 15, 2010 11:21 AM COMMENTS (1)


STORYPHOTOS ( 4 )



More Images »

An artists' rendering of a a one-acre pedestrian “winter garden” that would be part of the Katz Group's proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Supplied, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — A new report suggests charging a $5 ticket surcharge for events at a new downtown Edmonton arena to help cover construction costs.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Edmonton+arena+surcharge+pondered/3282291/story.html#ixzz0tm2adTR1

I've been calling for something like this forever. Not on here but in talking with family and friends about this new arena. This is a good idea. This should be looked at very hard by everyone involved.

[240glt]

It would certainly alleviate the incessant whining that users of the facility should pay for it.

I don't think this should be necessary but I'd accept it as a solution

[Shodan]

Katz may appear before council
Media-shy billionaire has never publicly pitched new downtown arena

Gordon Kent
Edmonton Journal

Friday, July 16, 2010

Oilers owner Daryl Katz might make a personal appearance next week when city council holds its first discussion of the proposed downtown arena district.

The media-shy billionaire has talked on radio and a video about the need for a new Edmonton sports and entertainment complex, but hasn't gone in front of a live audience to outline his ideas...

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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[Harrison]

This public appearance is sure a long time coming, but is obviously crucial in getting the public on Katz's side.

[Coldrsx]

I am tempted to go to the public meeting.

[Harrison]

Only "tempted"? You should be driven to hear Mr.Katz speak (in PUBLIC!). I'd be going for sure if I even lived in the city.

[Shodan]

Katz arena site ranked fourth
City councillors never discussed consultants' report

Scott McKeen
Edmonton Journal

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Location, location, location.

If the old business adage is right, Daryl Katz's arena location might be wrong.

A confidential consultants' report I saw this week ranks four other sites ahead of the Katz holdings along 104th Avenue. Even the Northlands grounds were ranked higher by HOK Sport, an acclaimed sports architecture firm.

This news came as no shock to city councillors Tuesday, who seem used to receiving arena updates from unofficial sources, such as the media...

smckeen@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

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[Coldrsx]

I still think it is the right location as i would much rather have BP's area lands residential and commercial with scale being friendly and inviting.

[Kevin_foster]

sooo Katz just announced he will sink another 100 million into the new arena "if that is what it takes".

City would be insane not to jump on this.

[Coldrsx]

There yeah go.

200 mil of say 300 mil.... uh, when can i start reviewing the design again so i can help pour concrete.

[Kevin_foster]

The moment those words come out of his mouth, shovels should already be in the ground. Just start digging the damn thing!!!!! :)

[feepa]

There yeah go.

200 mil of say 300 mil.... uh, when can i start reviewing the design again so i can help pour concrete.

If I find you keys to a bulldozer, you can start by taking down the baccarrat. And while you are at it, might as well do the abandoned building across 101st....

Heck... why not take out square 104 too!

[Roquentin]

From the meeting - 100 million for the arena, and another 100 for the district (and not 200 for the arena). I would assume that the Katz Group's $100 million investment in the district would include an office building for themselves, but what do I know?

[Keats82]

Not to stray too far from the recent arena news, but of all the coverage and media reports I've been reading, I'm consistently drawn to Tony Caterinas' accusations. What is this guys deal? All he does is complain or grind discussion to a halt with his finger pointing and "whistle blowing".

Get rid of this guy! He's holding the entire city back!

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Tony Caterina's re-election slogan:
"Moving Edmonton into the 20th Century"

[Shodan]

Here we go....

Oilers won't play at Rexall, Katz Group says
No implied threat to move, but new arena is necessary, council told

By Ryan Cormier and Gordon Kent, edmontonjournal.com
July 21, 2010 5:25 PM

EDMONTON —The Edmonton Oilers will not play in a renovated Rexall Place, the Katz Group told city council on Wednesday at a hearing on the proposed downtown arena.

In a rare public appearance, Daryl Katz promised to sign a location agreement to keep the Oilers in Edmonton. But the team is not viable without a new arena, and the Oilers will not play at the arena now run by Northlands, said John Karvellas, executive vice-president and general counsel for the Katz Group.

“We do not intend to have the Oilers play in a renovated Rexall Place,” Karvellas said...

Follow the #yegarena chatter on Twitter.

rcormier@thejournal.canwest.com

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Oilers+play+Rexall+Katz+Group/3304300/story.html

[Rocket252]

Welcome to "How to build an arena" Edmonton Style.

The wheels of progress grind slowly in this city.

Now back to the airport debate

[Hallsy's Toupee]

"But but...Northlands! Won't someone please think about Northlands?"

[Shodan]

Oilers owner commits $200M to arena project
Team needs downtown location to survive, council told

Ryan Cormier And Gordon Kent
Edmonton Journal

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Katz Group had a blunt message for city council Wednesday -- the money-losing Oilers need a downtown arena to help them survive in Edmonton.

And following a four-hour discussion, councillors took the first step toward bringing the proposal to life when they asked staff to begin talks on a possible financing and operating deal for an arena and entertainment project...

rcormier@thejournal.canwest.comgkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

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CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

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[Shodan]

Katz takes crowbar to Rexall option
Tough to see how new downtown arena, Northlands can coexist

John MacKinnon
Edmonton Journal

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Oilers owner Daryl Katz went to city council with an apology, a pen and a crowbar on Wednesday, not to mention a mighty smooth gift of the gab for an alleged recluse.

Oh, and Katz also grabbed another $100 million from petty cash and pledged to sink that into the commercial and retail development around the proposed arena, matching the $100 million he recently restated will be invested directly into the construction of the facility...

© Edmonton Journal 2010

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CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

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[Kevin_foster]

Let's not forget Katz now owns a rink in Hamilton.

I wonder if he will use that as a negotiating hammer.

[240glt]

Mr Katz may own a hockey team, but he's going to need to learn how to play ball if he's going to get the city behind this.

Either he builds this thing all with private monay or he learns to get along with Northlands, pure & simple.

This posturing is getting silly.

[Coldrsx]

Posturing is more or less done IMO.

Council knows their intentions, is now able to meet to discuss funding, and we can finally perhaps look forward to an architect being hired to do a real design.

[rapid_business]

/\ one could wish. I for one could care less about Northlands involvement. I actually hope they aren't involved to be honest. Let them stick to operating within their geographical footprint, and be done with it.

[CMD UW]

Maybe if Northlands was willing to play along in the first place the relationship wouldn't have soured. I think it was Northlands who assumed they held all the cards. Wrong. In my opinion they have dropped the ball on multiple events from Indy to yes, even Capital Ex. Other than hosting large conferences, it's obvious there is something wrong with how they manage / operate events. I too could care less about Northlands.

Now let's just get this rolling along.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I heard or read somewhere that the Flames bought Calgary's version of Northlands. Or something like that.

[240glt]

^^ I understand that they were never invitedto the table, the new arena prospect was dropped by Katz group without even consulting them or the city

I wonder if the anti- Northlands stance has something to do with the myopic anti-anything except downtown sentiment that flourishes here

[mick]

^the downtown arena was floated before Katz owned the oilers, and Northlands participated in the leadership committee that produced the initial report on the viability of a downtown arena. I believe Northlands, at that point, endorsed a downtown arena.

[RTA]

^^ I understand that they were never invitedto the table, the new arena prospect was dropped by Katz group without even consulting them or the city

I wonder if the anti- Northlands stance has something to do with the myopic anti-anything except downtown sentiment that flourishes here

I'm not sure why you feel Northlands is automatically entitled to be at a table on a matter that is so far between a private individual and his businesses, and the City of Edmonton. Northlands is an autonomous entity, there is no requirement that I'm aware of that they needed to be involved.

That not an Anti-Northlands stance; it's an anti-Northlands'-seeming-sense-of-entitlement stance.