[240glt]

^ OK who else on the city of Edmonton side is going to run it then ? Who's the logical party to take and manage the city's investment ?

Someones' got to do it if the city is going to be involved, do we need another bureaucratic organization created just for this arena ? Seems awfully wasteful to me.

[RTA]

^ If Northlands was a branch of the City of Edmonton, it might make sense for them to be the de facto operator. But they're not. And so far, instead of putting out a proposal to be the operator, they have only tried the "we're Northlands damnit" card, and the "well, we can renovate Rexall for less money, so huh." If anything, it's Northlands who doesn't seem to know how to play ball. They seem a little complacent with their position and don't seem to know how to handle the idea that they may face competition.

ETA: Besides, the city runs Commonwealth Stadium, so it's not like there isn't some degree of experience within the city already.

[Coldrsx]

If you hear me on 630CHED, yell.

[Harrison]

Can we still yell if we "read" you on 630 Ched?


Downtown Edmonton Community League encouraged after arena meeting
2:45 PM
Click here to email Landon Kelly
7/22/2010

The Downtown Edmonton Community League (DECL) is happy that the ball is finally rolling on "serious" talk of downtown revitalization.

Ian O'Donell paid close attention to Wednesday's council meeting and says it was good to get a little bit of clarification on the topic.

http://www.630ched.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1255898

[rapid_business]

^ OK who else on the city of Edmonton side is going to run it then ? Who's the logical party to take and manage the city's investment ?

Someones' got to do it if the city is going to be involved, do we need another bureaucratic organization created just for this arena ? Seems awfully wasteful to me.

A private enterprise who has experience in profitable arena management perhaps like AEG?:shrug:

[Shodan]

Northlands boss pleads for role in new arena
But Katz Group wants to be operator of downtown facility

Gordon Kent
Edmonton Journal

Friday, July 23, 2010

Northlands chairman Andy Huntley says his non-profit society is still interested in operating a downtown arena, even though the Katz Group has indicated it wants to take over that role.

"As you know, we're running over 200 events there (at Rexall Place) now," Huntley told reporters Thursday...

gkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

Copyright © 2010 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=4bd96abb-8f7b-420d-a262-6875c04fd3ea&sponsor=

[Shodan]

Rise of new arena should mean demise of Rexall: expert

Richard Warnica
Edmonton Journal

Friday, July 23, 2010

There is little ice left in the great Canadian hockey temples of the 20th century.

The Montreal Forum, closed in 1995, today hosts a shopping mall. The Winnipeg Arena is a parking lot and in Toronto, the Maple Leaf Gardens will soon be a grocery store.

For now, the arena once known as Northlands Coliseum still hosts hockey in Edmonton. But with the announcement Wednesday that the Oilers have no plans to play there after 2014, city officials may soon have to ponder alternative futures for the house that Gretzky built...

rwarnica@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

Copyright © 2010 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=05983b41-47cb-48cc-90d1-370fe6e11752&sponsor=

[dennis1]

How would you guys feel if the Oilers moved to Spruce Grove or Gibbons or Millet.

[rapid_business]

/\ Because a viable market exists there? :shrug: Not gonna happen. Not sure what you are trying to get at here...?

[yegyyz]

Is the $5 surcharge report posted anywhere on the City of Edmonton website? if so, can someone post a working link to the document.

[CMD UW]

^ OK who else on the city of Edmonton side is going to run it then ? Who's the logical party to take and manage the city's investment ?

Someones' got to do it if the city is going to be involved, do we need another bureaucratic organization created just for this arena ? Seems awfully wasteful to me.Who said we need another 'public' agency to operate this. Perhaps there is a partnership between another operator such as AEG. Is there a role for Northlands perhaps? But those are details that will have to be worked out.

[dennis1]

/\ Because a viable market exists there? :shrug: Not gonna happen. Not sure what you are trying to get at here...?

There's talk on HFBoards that Katz could move the oilers there.

[hilman]

Oilers are going no where but downtown, people need to give their heads a shake. Ask anyone from Ottawa how they like driving to Kanata for games. It would be an epic failure not to put it in the middle of Edmonton where a lot of people live and work and where 5 legs of the LRT will soon connect all parts of the city.

[rapid_business]

There's talk on HFBoards that Katz could move the oilers there.

0% chance. I'll give you 100:1 odds on it. :rolleyes: It will never happen. Millet... I mean, really? :haha:

[dennis1]

I dunno Katz seems pissed.


I assume you would not go to any games.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

There's talk on HFBoards that Katz could move the oilers there.

Why would he do that when he's already bought the downtown land?

[noodlenoodle]

I dunno Katz seems pissed.


He bought the team even though I'm sure his due dilligence turned up the fact that they weren't financially sustainable, with the intent to get the City to subsidize him indefinitely by providing him the sort of financing his own people are against securing on their own due to the inherent risks involved and now that he's being rebuked and being asked why his business model and proposal only works with the City assuming the risk he's pissed?

Where's my tiny violin at?

[Mycroft]

There's talk on HFBoards that Katz could move the oilers there.

haha, who is this guy? Who let this guy in?

But seriously, I'm going to have to agree with noodle on this one...I was really hoping for a better effort from Katz Group on this one. The whole thing has been sloppy from the start, and given Edmonton's history of half-assed DT development practices/approvals/follow-through... :(

[MrOilers]

There's talk on HFBoards that Katz could move the oilers there.

If you saw it somewhere on the internet, it must be true.

Hello, Millet Oilers!

[dennis1]

Just speculation, that's all

I'd rather something than nothing at all.

[halifaxboyns]

I kinda got the impression from his presentation it was either build the arena or I'm moving the team.

That seems a little under handed to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the arena, I think it will be a great addition to downtown. But for something so costly; you have to do things right and be careful in the planning. If there are opportunities to shave some money off the cost; they should be explored (after all public money is going into this too).

But to simply walk into City council and tell them; here it is build it or I walk? Sorry, that doesn't fly with me. It's terribly disrespectful.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Revitalization levy sleight of hand
Katz Group imagining tax benefits that are hardly guaranteed

By Scott Hennig, Edmonton Journal July 23, 2010

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/Revitalization+levy+sleight+hand/3311476/story.html?cid=megadrop_story#ixzz0uZP3ArLx



This article by Scott Hennig is pure bullshit.


If, for example, the Fireside restaurant that is currently located next to Rexall Place were to shut down and reopen inside the CRL zone, their property taxes would be considered "new" and would go to fund the arena loan instead of fire, police, roads, libraries, education, etc., as they were before.Huh? I'm under the impression there's the usual taxes for core services and a separate tax levy for the arena. I never heard anything about the levy replacing the existing taxes.


Alternatively, if a hot new bar were to open up next to an arena, the CRL argument implies those patrons of the new bar were not previously going to bars on Whyte or Jasper Avenue.

In truth, it's merely a shift of where the money gets spent, or as Edmonton city councillor Don Iveson calls it, the "zero sum problem."

I don't see how a bar or restaurant in the arena zone will take away business (and taxes) from bars and restaurants on Whyte Ave or Jasper Ave. Whyte Ave's night scene didn't die when Jasper Ave's night scene was revived.

And how does he know if resto-bars in the arena zone won't attract new customers? Many of the current Rexall Place attendees are likely eating in their suburbs before coming out, or making do with the $7 hot dogs at Rexall Place. In the new arena zone, a 3rd choice is provided.

[hilman]

Gee what a surprise, Scott Hennig is a joke.

[Coldrsx]

haha thanks Harrison

[rapid_business]

Henning has been saying the same thing for the past year. He some how thinks there is only 'X' amount of dollars spent in this city, and then it gets shifted around. By his logic, the tax base would never grow because any new building/business/house will cause it some other place to suffer as a result. I see where his jump off point for his logic is, but he acts like people can't be 'persuaded' to buy a beer after a game, or meet some friends nearby for a meal before hand, unless they were going to do that somewhere else if the arena and district had never been spent. That would work if peoples spending decisions were plotted out like clockwork 12 months in advance, but it doesn't work like that.

[noodlenoodle]

So until $1+ billion is invested and built out to meet this perceived brand new manufactured downton-only demand for pre game meals and post game beers, where are we going to get the money to pay for the loan to Monty Burns?

And if the tax levy is extended to consume some of the North Edge, how will that effect the preexisting funding models and plans for that long-standing plan?

[hilman]

Katz has never threatened to move the team, that is the fear mongering press that has cooked up that to sell papers. He simply stated that he does not intend for the Oilers to play in Rexall past 2014 or a renovated arena. I don't blame him, renovating the arena will cost tax payers the same amount but with a smaller arena in a horrible area. He is trying to light a fire under people's asses to get things done. If he left it up to others like the city has done with the municipal airport and 23rd ave, the arena would be ready around 2057.

And so what if Katz wants to make some return on his investment, shouldn't he be allowed to get some return on his $400 million ($200 million for the Oilers)?

[Shodan]

Ex-NHL owner disputes arena economics

By RICHARD LIEBRECHT, Edmonton Sun

Last Updated: July 25, 2010 5:35pm

An arena in downtown Edmonton could be a profitable private business, says a former NHL arena owner, despite denials by the Katz Group.

"My own experience is that a privately-funded building, well operated, could be a profitable asset so long as the dollar is in the 90-cent range or above," said Rod Bryden, former owner of the Ottawa Senators and builder of their privately-owned, $170-million arena...

richard.liebrecht@sunmedia.ca

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/07/25/14823086.html

[feepa]

^ we do not want an arena out in spruce grove. Please do not look to the Ottawa Senators arena for a model out here.

[Coldrsx]

^But there is more parking.

[feepa]

^ we dont need more stinkin' parking!

[RTA]

^ Think of the children!

[oiler-dude]

A hit to Northlands?

Rexall Place health code violations rampant
Worst food safety among Canadian stadiums

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2010/07/26/con-stadium-food.html#ixzz0uoqE3lac


Apparently the food service is run by Delaware North Sportservice (according to a poster at HF, so I'm not sure if that's true), but either way...if Northlands is hiring these guys, they have to have some sort of a check process themselves?

I really don't want them anywhere near a new downtown arena...

[HomeInMyShoes]

Ugh. I just clicked on the first page of this thread. December 2006, and closing in on four years later the mayor might still be on side, but Rexall doesn't seem to be getting any closer to its end. I'm hopeful something magical happens and the new stadium gets started within the next year, but I think it's time to stop holding my breath.

[dennis1]

^ we do not want an arena out in spruce grove. Please do not look to the Ottawa Senators arena for a model out here.

You know many people will be all for a suburban arena if it means the oilers stay.

[240glt]

The Oilers aren't going anywhere

Renovating the existing venue would make more sense that moving out to the fringes

[hilman]

Ugh. I just clicked on the first page of this thread. December 2006, and closing in on four years later the mayor might still be on side, but Rexall doesn't seem to be getting any closer to its end. I'm hopeful something magical happens and the new stadium gets started within the next year, but I think it's time to stop holding my breath.

The plan is to start construction in 2012 and open for the 2014-15 season so don't be too discouraged yet :)

[Shodan]

Ouch!

Study says Rexall Place has worst food safety record in country

Karyn Mulcahy, Global News: Monday, July 26, 2010 5:34 PM

A study conducted by ESPN found that Rexall Place had the worst safety record of all the major sporting arenas in the country.

According to ESPN, in the last two years, 25 percent of the food kiosks at Rexall Place had one or more critical food safety violations.

Alberta Health Services says the violations ranged from inadequate handwash supplies, to food being improperly thawed or stored at room temperature. In one case contaminated cleaning cloths and/or sponges were used...

...You can read the ESPN report here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=5401646

With files from The Edmonton Journal
© Copyright (c) CW Media Inc.

http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/Study+says+Rexall+Place+worst+food+safety+record+country/3325089/story.html

[Shodan]

Council seeks 140 answers on arena
Questions include financing details, Katz-Northlands rift

Ryan Cormier
Edmonton Journal

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

City councillors have submitted their written questions about the proposed downtown arena district -- and they have plenty of them.

Though two members have yet to submit questions, council has asked nearly 140 to city administration, the Katz Group and Northlands...

rcormier@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2010

Copyright © 2010 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=5bfbe940-92d6-4521-bd18-31d5e5080d44&sponsor=

[HomeInMyShoes]

^Any chance we'll see the list of questions and, more importantly, who asked them?

[mcc16]

the article say that the list of questions is going to be on the city's website as early as today...

[christopherj]

The questions are online now:

http://sirepub.edmonton.ca/sirepub/cache/2/guboff45x1d3ai55fgy1qn3u/5492807272010081811898.PDF

[christopherj]

Some of those questions are frustrating - honestly. Many of them have already been dealt with to some degree - look at a few from Councillor Anderson:

3. Does a funding plan exist that doesn’t access current property taxes? (COE Admin) Un - didn't the report that came out a week or two ago provide a funding plan that didn't access current property taxes? (Ticket levy + CRL)

1. Who will own the new arena? (Katz Group) Didn't Katz group say at the meeting the city will? Did you pay attention?

And other many others even relevant?

1. Has Northlands done a successful job of marketing the current Rexall Place? Really? What does that have to do with whether or not to support a new arena in downtown / potential funding options? :shrug:

Guess I just feel like city council is trying to push this off until - oh, say November. :)

And the award for "just doesn't get it" goes to...

Surprise - Councillor Caterina with his stunning question of "Why was the 5th best location chosen rather than #1-Jasper Ave, #2-Northlands,
etc.?". Un, Tony, perhaps because that's the land the Katz group owns?

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Yes, there are a lot of pointless, repetitive and redundant questions.

Conversely, some of the questions posed are really good ones:

Sohi:
Was the Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), or similar model of financing, used for building arenas in other cities? What were some of the negative or positive implications?

Batty:
Should the Katz group suffer financial challenges does a relocation agreement ensure the team stays in Edmonton?

Henderson:
It is my understanding that in the old deal with the Oilers they had the non hockey business. At that time they chose to give it up, I presume because it was not lucrative. I am wondering what has changed in the interim that they now want the business back. Would the deal be different? Has something changed besides Northlands management to suddenly make it lucrative? And if Northlands took a money losing proposition and turned it into a money making deal, why would they want to walk away from that expertise?

Krushell:
Is the Katz Group prepared to provide the City of Edmonton with a letter of credit to ensure that if the surrounding development is not built the City of Edmonton would not be responsible for all of the risk?

Leibovici:
Has the Katz Group considered a community benefit agreement as entered into by the Staples Centre in Los Angeles and Millennium Southeast False Creek Properties Ltd; City of Vancouver and Building Opportunities with Business Inner-City Society?

As 3 out of 4 Canadian arenas, which have been re-built have declared bankruptcy, what reassurance do we have that public capital is not at risk in this proposal?

Sloan:
- cites Forbes re: finances of NHL teams

[HomeInMyShoes]

Thanks for the link. I think the true purpose of this list can be seen in this question:

1. Do we need a new arena? (COE Admin)

While there are some real questions in the document, my cynicism for this whole process is at an all-time high after reading through about half of it. Hasn't this been debated and answered enough? Councilor Anderson should spend less time sleeping at meetings.

[rapid_business]

Link does not appear to be working now...

[MrOilers]

This link should work

http://sirepub.edmonton.ca/sirepub/cache/2/c30pbaiihyhk5z55o55bq0nv/5492807282010091434633.PDF

[MrOilers]

My favorite question of them all, from Caterina:

"How will all the social agencies that will be displaced be accomodated?"


Great question. I was wondering what would happen to all those social agencies like the casino and empty gravel lots.

:koko:

[240glt]

Um, you do realize that there is at least one social agency that will be forced to move as a result of this development ?

While not a show stopper, it is a ligitimate concern given the city's propensity towards slumifying certain neighborhoods, and I echo Tonys' concerns on that one

[vaportrail]

Um, you do realize that there is at least one social agency that will be forced to move as a result of this development ? ...
I don't think that's readily apparent. What agency and where is it presently located?

[240glt]

105th ave just west of 101st, it's a very busy place plus the McDonald building has lots of at risk type people who will likely have to be relocated as well.

[Coldrsx]

^why would they again? I dont see it.

[240glt]

Maybe not with the arena redevelopment but you know that once Aurora goes that those angenies are going to get bounced.

I'd venture to say that the reloaction will start once Epcor ocupies and all those high paying tenants start losing patience with being hit up for cigarettes and change and having their parkade broken into all the time

[Coldrsx]

^which is sad but was the the "right" place for them to begin with? I am sure they can find somewhere in the vicinity to the north.

[vaportrail]

Maybe not with the arena redevelopment ...
Then it doesn't appear to be an appropriate question for Katz and company, not to suggest that they don't care.

[CMD UW]

These questions were expected. If anyone has attended a Council meeting where City funding is being requested, you'd see the same questions.

[240glt]

^which is sad but was the the "right" place for them to begin with? I am sure they can find somewhere in the vicinity to the north.

Hey, fuck you.

And that's how the neighborhoods to the north feel how the city treats them as well. Maybe they should move these agencies to the vast swaths of gravel parking lots in McKay ave so that you can see what it's like to be the citys' dumping ground ?

[Coldrsx]

Hey, fuck you.

And that's how the neighborhoods to the north feel how the city treats them as well. Maybe they should move these agencies to the vast swaths of gravel parking lots in McKay ave so that you can see what it's like to be the citys' dumping ground ?

breathe

i am talking about a block or two north near other agencies already established or into an area that perhaps is more affordable for the agency.

I hear what you are saying and agree wholeheartedly, but their locations now are literally adjacent to the CBD and perhaps are no longer the best spot for them all things considered.

With that said, I have no issues with them remaining there.

[240glt]

Sorry. I've spent far too much time in the recent past fighting the influx of social housing & liquor store permits in our neighborhood. I'm beginning to think that the retards in the P & D branch want to kill our neighborhood. It's a touchy subject.

WRT to the areas around the arena, It'll be interesting to see if it even integrates to the areas to the north at all. It seems to me that the arena is the baccarat site and the so-called entertainment district is west of bell. I am wondering if that entire 105ave corridor will be all LRT lines and loading docks ?

[SHOFEAR]

Them being forced out is a non-issue.

meh, send them up north to work on seismic lines or something.

[dennis1]

Nothing in the past two weeks?

[Coldrsx]

Don't expect anything until after the election...

[CMD UW]

Yuuuup...I wouldn't expect much on this until after Oct 18th.

[Coldrsx]

Didn't even notice this until today... a photo I took of the MTS centre while in Winnipeg the other day.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/Winnipeg/_DSC0765.jpg

[Coldrsx]

No government money for arena: Stelmach


BY KEITH GEREIN, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM SEPTEMBER 9, 2010 2:41 PM


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Katz Group, edmontonjournal.com
Though millions in government money appears headed to new arena project in Quebec City, hockey fans in Calgary and Edmonton should not expect the same in Alberta, Premier Ed Stelmach said Thursday.

“As I said before, there won’t be any public money going to the arenas. We’re trying to catch up with badly needed infrastructure in health and schools.”



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/government+money+arena+Stelmach/3501870/story.html#ixzz0z4Jy5QQd

[Coldrsx]

We are prepared to provide the infrastructure to the buildings, whether it be LRT or any of the other supporting infrastructure. But the building itself will be private sector.”

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/government+money+arena+Stelmach/3501870/story.html#ixzz0z4KTAdQA

[noodlenoodle]

Gold star for Steady Eddie.

That puts his total gold star count at: 1!

[christopherj]

How could the AB gov't fund a new arena in Edmonton anyways? We're too busy making transfer payments to the Federal gov't to build one in Quebec City. :)

[dennis1]

Ok so what problem do you guys have with a stadium in the burbs?? Besides Driving. The fact Edmonton can't or won't do it does not mean Sherwood park or Stony Plain can't fund a stadium.

[hilman]

Why would you put an arena away from your core of businesses, population, hotels, restaurants, bars, mass transit, etc???? Ask Ottawa how they like driving to Kanata......

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Ok so what problem do you guys have with a stadium in the burbs?? Besides Driving. The fact Edmonton can't or won't do it does not mean Sherwood park or Stony Plain can't fund a stadium.

For the umpteenth time...
...because many of us want to attract more people into downtown
...because of access to all current and future LRT lines
...because of proximity to thousands of parking spaces in parking lots and parkades that are empty in the evenings
...proximity to an existing critical mass of high-end hotels and potential for more
...proximity to lots of restaurants and bars

[Coldrsx]

Ok so what problem do you guys have with a stadium in the burbs?? Besides Driving. The fact Edmonton can't or won't do it does not mean Sherwood park or Stony Plain can't fund a stadium.

Actually I would be very surprised if either 'could fund' a stadium...and as mentioned below, it would be the 'wrong' place for various reasons.

[dennis1]

But your city council is inept and dragging their feet.

[TimB09]

But your city council is inept and dragging their feet.

That's usually what happens around election time when big money issues are brought up.

[noodlenoodle]

And plenty of the electorate doesn't want to subsidize a private organization, regardless of the sentimental and nostalgic attachment the city has with it and have no problem with council taking their good time in determining what level of support is warranted.

[Shodan]

Harper's comments on arenas don't please anyone

Paula Simons
Edmonton Journal

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Here it is. I'm actually feeling slightly sorry for Stephen Harper.

Last week, the prime minister was asked whether his government would fund a new NHL-calibre arena in Quebec City, a rink designed to lure an NHL team back to the city, and to anchor a bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics...

psimons@edmontonjournal.com

Twitter.com/Paulatics

For more on Edmonton's downtown arena debate, go to edmontonjournal.com/arena
© Edmonton Journal 2010

Copyright © 2010 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=d80da8a8-4c82-4e66-a36b-b045b19c0e91&sponsor=

[240glt]

But your city council is inept and dragging their feet.

I don't think you understand what's at stake here

[Coldrsx]

^exactly... and that with a municipal election in just over a month things are quite different than a non-election yr.

[dennis1]

Fair enough.

[Coldrsx]

Attended the Nextgen presentation by Bob Black of the Katz Group last night. Still lots to sort out but they are 'getting the message' i think with urban design principles and unique ideas.

[Coldrsx]

Potentially what the Katz group could do in an 'ultimate' stage build.

Red - office/retail
Green - Condo
Blue - Hotel

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/new%20misc/arenapotential.png

[dancinb]

^ I don't see no "Winter Garden"! And in the meantime, perhaps you can shade in where the Eaton Centre towers would have been as well.

Excuse me being cynical, but I've grown up in a cynical Edmonton. An Edmonton where nothing Grand can be done (or even encouraged).

On the un-cynical side, GO THIS! GO AURORA! GO GO GO!

Back to the cynical side - but...I'd lose my surface parking when I'm not taking the LRT to work. :(

[yo-youyi]

hey folks, first time poster, long time lurker

big time oilers fan, came across this article.. thought it was worth sharing and get some feedback from all the knowledgeable people here

http://oilersnation.com/2010/9/28/a-green-arena

[Coldrsx]

Arena 'debate' quietly simmers on electoral back burner

Mandel, Dorward differ on details, but both want rink downtown

BY DAVID STAPLES, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM OCTOBER 1, 2010 9:48 AM COMMENTS (3)


STORYPHOTOS ( 3 )



More Images »

Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Katz Group, edmontonjournal.com
There's plenty of hoopla in Quebec City about building a new downtown arena, but little more than hushed negotiation and polite debate in Edmonton about the Katz Group's plans for the same. Yet appearances can be deceiving.

In their own different ways both cities are moving toward their arena dreams, Quebec through demonstration and vociferous lobbying for government handouts, in Edmonton through quiet consensus building between private and public interests.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/David+Staples+Arena+debate+quietly+simmers+electoral+back+burner/3607579/story.html#ixzz117oSl3iE

[240glt]

I guess that's one good thing about the ECCA debate, it's pretty much stiffled all discussions (and dissention) regarding the proposed new arena

[Coldrsx]

Different view of what could be

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/new%20misc/Potentialarenaplansfromnorth.png

[Coldrsx]

here we go again

Many Edmonton council hopefuls against tax-funded arena

Twenty-five of 40 survey respondents want plebiscite

BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM OCTOBER 12, 2010 3:05 PM COMMENTS (4)


STORYPHOTOS ( 5 )



More Images »

An image of an outdoor plaza as part of the Katz Group's proposed downtown arena.
Photograph by: Supplied, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — Twenty Edmonton city council candidates say they don’t support putting civic tax money toward construction of a new arena, according to a Canadian Taxpayers Federation survey.

The survey, released Tuesday, also indicates 25 respondents want a plebiscite held before council decides to put a “significant portion” of tax dollars into the project.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Many+Edmonton+council+hopefuls+against+funded+arena/3660093/story.html#ixzz12BOhjfkq

[noodlenoodle]

I know you've got your wallet open and at the ready to throw money at making someone else's dreams a reality Cold, but the amounts that are being bandied about at this stage are massive and thanks to the airport and social housing issues, the arena isn't getting any real time during the election.

I'm glad they realize that public consultation on any civic involvement in the project is extremely extremely important. I shudder to think how messy the petition drive would be for arena funding would be though. Let's hope it never gets to that stage.

[Coldrsx]

^personally I do not think it will get to real public money, perhaps infrastructure (needed anyways downtown), creative levies or the sort, and a ticket tax/license (pay as you play). There might be a small component, but to me there is a % of public good in this for all Edmontonians.

[hilman]

22 October 2010 | Press Releases


The Katz Group today issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Architectural and Engineering Services for the proposed downtown arena, the centrepiece of the Edmonton Arena District. A copy of the RFQ is available for download here (http://www.revitalizedowntown.ca/assets/Edmonton-Downtown-Arena-Architect-Engineering-RFQ.pdf)(PDF).

The RFQ is a preliminary step in the process of building a team of professionals to initiate the architectural design of the proposed arena. With the support of City Administration, the Katz Group is beginning this process now, in the absence of certain agreements, including a resolution of City Council with respect to funding, to be in a position to meet future timelines for design and development of the project.

The RFQ will gather expressions of interest and qualifications from Edmonton-based firms and as well as other national and international candidates. The Katz Group intends to engage an internationally renowned architect to serve as the Design Architect for the project. This RFQ is requesting interested architectural and engineering firms to submit their qualifications to serve in roles supporting the Design Architect, including the "Arena Architect" and other supporting roles within the "Architect of Record Team".

Link: http://www.revitalizedowntown.ca/katz-group-issues-request-for-qualifications-for-architectural-and-engineering-services-for-downtown-arena/

[Coldrsx]

good to see

[Coldrsx]

City of Edmonton launches public consultation on downtown hockey arena


EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM OCTOBER 22, 2010 2:53 PM BE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT


STORYPHOTOS ( 3 )



More Images »

Conceptual image of the proposed downtown Edmonton arena district.
Photograph by: Katz Group, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — The City of Edmonton is launching a public consultation for citizens to get information and provide feedback on a potential downtown sports and entertainment facility.

During the civic election, at least 20 Edmonton city council candidates said they don’t support putting civic tax money toward construction of a new arena.

Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz has pledged to put $100 million into construction of a city-owned arena, as well as at least $100 million more into development around the 6.4-hectare site along 104th Avenue.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/City+Edmonton+launches+public+consultation+downtown+hockey+arena/3713605/story.html#ixzz137iYqF10

[Coldrsx]

Survey UP!

Edmontonians’ turn to weigh in on downtown arena

Online survey now up on city’s website

BY DAVID STAPLES, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM OCTOBER 28, 2010 12:26 PM COMMENTS (2)


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )VIDEO ( 1 )



An artist's rendition of the Katz Group's initial proposal to build new arena in downtown Edmonton.
Photograph by: supplied, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — The city’s public consultation on Edmonton’s next big debate — the Katz Group’s plan for a downtown arena district — is gearing up with the city asking people what they think of the project.

An online survey, posted today on the city’s website, asks people various questions about the project, such as whether it will help the city’s downtown, whether Northlands should be involved, and whether public money should be involved in funding the project.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmontonians+turn+weigh+downtown+arena/3741184/story.html#ixzz13gJzYq6z

[Jasper and one o nin]

link to survey

http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/planning_development/downtown-arena.aspx?WT.ac=Downtown+Arena

[Hallsy's Toupee]

link to survey

http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/planning_development/downtown-arena.aspx?WT.ac=Downtown+Arena

Done. My submitted comments:
1. Funding can also be derived from parking, beer and food.
2. Funding can also be derived by renting out street-level retail/resto-bar space at the arena...if they are part of the design.
3. Funding can also be derived from rotating naming rights (e.g. Brick for 2 years, Telus for 2 years, etc)
4. Funding again - more corporate involvement than just Rexall/Katz Group
5. Design Committee needs to be heavily involved, arena design needs to go through usual approvals.

[rapid_business]

/\ Most of that is just standard operating revenue. And I can assure you it is going to stay Rexall Arena for some time if Katz is the driving force behind this, and is putting up the first $100 Million.

The answer that isn't getting enough press: Seat licensing fee. There is enough potential revenue there for a significant portion of the arena.

[Shodan]

Will downtown arena work in our city?
Online survey brings debate to the fore

David Staples
Edmonton Journal

Friday, October 29, 2010

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/media.canada.com/idl/edjn/20101029/edjn_20101029_b001_willdowntownare_54678_mi0001.jpg?size=l
CREDIT: Shaughn Butts, Edmonton Journal, File
Interested members of the public take a look at plans for the proposed downtown arena district, displayed by the Katz Group at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton last July.

City Hall is interested in what we think about Edmonton's next big shouting match, the coming debate over the Katz Group's proposed downtown arena district...

© Edmonton Journal 2010

Copyright © 2010 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=90338ca2-f5f4-415f-aec1-ffb1d799116e&sponsor=

[noodlenoodle]

/\ Most of that is just standard operating revenue. And I can assure you it is going to stay Rexall Arena for some time if Katz is the driving force behind this, and is putting up the first $100 Million.

The answer that isn't getting enough press: Seat licensing fee. There is enough potential revenue there for a significant portion of the arena.

I always figured that particular plum was being left off the table intentionally as to be enjoyed solely by Katz as part of his Cookie Monster-esque funding desires.

[Jasper and one o nin]

It seems to me, based on the survey, that this whole process is going to be dogged by wrong perceptions and misinformation just like the airport issue through the election and closure processes. Except in this case, the City and/or the Katz Group would have nobody to blame but themselves.
I am sure that 99% of the people out there do not know what a Community Revitalization Levy is. So explain it. Dont throw an online survey together and ask people if the support a CRL an not explain what it is.
Right now, Im sure the perception is that public money will be given to to a billionaire to build his arena. The stakeholders involved have to effectively communicate. Northlands built the Expo Centre with public funds. The Commonwealth Stadium upgrades were built with public funds - and nobody blinked an eye. There needs to be a communications team that clearly and effectively puts the message out there - and explains the funding and ownership model - the relationship this building will have with the community - and makes comparisons to other facilities. If the public as a whole has an understanding of what is on the table, then they can make up their minds based on accuracy.
Last point - a communication stategy should include the long term and indirect benefits of having something like this downtown. For example one more step in downtown placemaking, an anchor to encourage and facilitate inner city growth and creating critical mass, among other things that provide long-term indirect benefits to the city as a whole. The indirect benefit always outweigh the direct benefits and issues

[bulliver]

The survey links to page that briefly explains the CRL:
http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/planning_development/funding-model-arena.aspx