Quote:
Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker
It would be interesting to see the value of our current subsidy. Then could make a rational case either way.
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If we had a sales tax I could buy the argument that it helps our economy but without a such a method it's a much weaker argument, mostly trickling into the pockets of the owners and performers.
Most people in this city outside of oil and gas can't regularly afford to attend events at the Saddledome. Pretty silly to expect those that don't even like sports or concerts or have lower incomes to subsidize this. If you have to, raise ticket prices. The people that want a new arena can pay for it and probably still will go.
I am not sure how subsidizing an arena is feasible given:
- the oil patch is issuing layoffs
- we are in discussions of wage rollbacks
- in discussions of higher taxes and service cuts
- in need of 50 new schools right away $2B
- people want a $1.6b Cancer Center
- $5B ring road is potentially delayed further and when we miss the time frame for it to be built as per contract terms pay an even higher price
- needed savings to fund a $5B Green line LRT long term and likely pricier when it happens
- day to day infrastructure that is already behind is lacking money
- other cities sports team owners pay the price themselves
- low Canadian Dollar