EDMONTON – The newly launched pro-arena campaign has produced more emails in a day than any other issue, Councillor Jane Batty said Tuesday.
Batty said she has received almost 800 messages from people who want the city, the province and Oilers owner Daryl Katz to work out the remaining $55 million in funding for the $480-million facility and get a deal done.
“It encompasses every kind of business and industry in Edmonton you can think of,” she said. “It started from a small nucleus … to a huge show of support for the arena and downtown.
“I think it’s time that the different groups show their voice of support, because we always hear from those who aren’t in support.”
The Downtown Vibrancy Coalition is urging people to write to politicians and Katz in hopes of pressuring them to build an arena the coalition expects will spur $3-billion worth of development and revitalize Edmonton’s centre.
Council will debate an administration recommendation Wednesday to give final approval to a master agreement with Katz that doesn’t specify the source of the arena money or $14 million to complete the adjoining community rink.
Staff say that with construction scheduled to start next year, money isn’t needed until 2015 or 2016, so there’s time to find appropriate provincial funding.
While some councillors say the vote might be delayed, Coun. Karen Leibovici, who has also received about 800 emails, isn’t certain of the best way to move forward.
“There’s the last-minute push that happens when you get close to a critical point, which is what I think we’re at,” said Leibovici. “There are suggestions the Katz Group needs to put in cash. At the end of the day we will see what happens.
“After six or seven years of debate around the arena, we’re so close not only to kick-start the arena, but (also) our arts and entertainment district. … I think what we need to do is put on our thinking caps and figure this out.”
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