Reading a report in 'Business Calgary', there are multiple people pitching multiple ideas about why this project is so vital to the city, with one relevant piece being from the editor of the magazine himself, Pat Ottmann, where he suggests that everyone needs to get the facts and avoid the politics of the proposal. I couldn't agree more, hence my interest in what Edmonton is doing and what the actual project calls for in Calgary.
First and foremost, the NEXT project is a much larger and certainly more ambitious venture than Roger's Place project , and also comes with a slightly larger price tag, almost double the price at $890 million. Similarly, the facility funding would come from a private-public partnership, made up of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) owners, the City of Calgary (taxpayers) and a community revitalization levy. It breaks down to CSEC paying approx $200 million, the user fee paying for $250 million, City funds covering $200 million, and the Community Revitalization covering $250 million.
One of the apparent stumbling blocks revolves around the contamination of the site, caused by an old creosote plant, and the need to deal with that during the construction, something which would add considerable cost and for which there is no decided commitment for funding. The contaminated site is currently owned by the City and remediation has been approved, but not the how, what, when, and who will pay portion of the plan. With the Federal Government looking to spend some money to help kick start our economy, perhaps there's an opportunity there to channel some funds to a much needed remediation of this land.
And let's consider the aging structures, McMahon Stadium built in 1960 and The Saddledome built in 1983, which are the oldest structures in the CFL and NHL respectively. Needless to say, it's high time to update both of these structures, even if this proposal wasn't being put forward! If you ever tried to use the washroom or get a beverage at either of those facilities and you know you'd miss half the game if you tried to do both on the same foray. Uggg! I can't even imagine what would happen if there was ever an emergency and the place(s) had to be evacuated. Also, everyone questions why Edmonton gets all the good concerts and Calgary gets skipped, which is totally true due to the limited load bearing ability of The Saddledome roof. Most large acts need twice the load bearing capability which The Saddledome offers and at least 5 to 6 concerts are lost each year for this reason.
If it sounds like I am a pro Calgary NEXT, you are correct. I think a thriving, vibrant city such as Calgary needs to get with it and build something which supports that concept.
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| This project would dramatically change the landscape in the area |
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| It would be a pretty amazing field house and football stadium |
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| NEXT is a great looking building |
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