September 06, 2009

Calgary arena push is on; funding, site unclear

The Calgary Flames arena push heated up this week, with team president Ken King saying the team wants to begin construction "as soon as we can."

That could be a while yet, though. The team still hasn't picked a site, or figured out financing for a new arena. City and provincial elected officials have all promised that no public money will go into arena construction, but notably didn't promise that no taxpayers funds would go for any part of an arena project: Alberta premier Ed Stelmach said he'd consider funding improvements to a light-rail line serving the arena site, while Calgary mayor Dave Bronconnier said the city could provide the land.

As for King, he was mum about any funding talk, saying only, "We will make a presentation when and if we seek public funding. In what quantum and if that's going to take place has not been determined." I don't speak fluent Canadian, but that sure sounds to me like: "We're still trying to figure out what we can get away with."