Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the UCP has come to an agreement with the Calgary Flames, the Calgary Stampede, and the City of Calgary on a new hockey arena.
Smith spoke alongside brass from the Calgary Flames, Calgary’s Mayor Gondek, the Calgary Stampede, and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation on Tuesday.
“Calgary, we did it,” Smith said.
Smith made the announcement just five weeks before the provincial election, and mere days before the writ was scheduled to be dropped.
To this end, Smith added a caveat to her announcement, that the deal is subject to provincial cabinet approval in the summer.
“That’s why on May 29 I’m hoping Calgarians give our UCP government a clear mandate to proceed with this arena deal,” she added.
“Calgary, it’s time to move on with this arena deal. We can’t afford to go back.”
The city of Calgary had been in discussions about getting a new arena for the Flames for several years, with multiple deals falling through. The Flames have been playing in the Scotiabank Saddledome since it opened in 1983.
Premier Smith said the province will contribute up to $300 million towards the new arena, most of which will be put towards road and bridge construction, for LRT, and other infrastructure.
“These investments will not only service the new arena but will be critical to the development of the entire area,” she said.
“Calgary will be home to one of the greatest arena and event centers in all of North America.”
Smith also said an additional $30 million dollars would be put towards a new youth hockey arena.
The agreement in principle will also see the City of Calgary contribute $537.3 million towards the arena, which Mayor Gondek said will not result in higher taxes or more debt.
“The City’s contribution is comprised of $295 million earmarked from the previous deal, as well as $242.3 million from reserves,” Gondek said.
Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corp agreed to provide $356 million.
The entire Calgary city council approved the deal unanimously, which Smith called a testament to its strength.
Flames President and CEO John Bean said the new arena will be a game-changer for the entire province.
Many performers wouldn’t come to Alberta without two solid venues, which the new Calgary arena will provide alongside Edmonton’s Rogers Place.
