Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Laurie in Question Period

Downtown Edmonton Arena

Ms Blakeman: Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. There is both anticipation and trepidation over the possibility of a new downtown arena for Edmonton. Much of the debate is over how to pay for a new development. My first question is to the President of the Treasury Board. Is the government willing to support a community revitalization levy for this project? It would affect future school property tax revenue for the province.

Mr. Snelgrove: Mr. Speaker, we have had no discussions with, have been approached by no individual or group at this point about funding for a downtown facility of any kind. We are aware of the mayor’s proposal to develop and revitalize downtown Edmonton as well as downtown Calgary. While we absolutely support the mayor’s initiatives for a revitalized downtown area, we have had no discussion about government support for a new downtown arena.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Ms Blakeman: Thank you. To the Solicitor General: has his department been approached to consider a casino deal between any developers and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission for a significant share of the slot and VLT revenues to go to offset the costs, similar to the deal that the government currently has with Horse Racing Alberta or the River Cree casino with the Enoch band?

Mr. Lindsay: Again, Mr. Speaker, we have not been approached by any organization looking at building an arena to offset those costs with revenues from our lottery revenues.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Ms Blakeman: Thank you. The final question, to the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit: Mr. Minister, given that the Kaasa Theatre was destroyed during renovations for the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, has the minister considered approaching the developers to offer funding for a new, medium sized theatre as part of a downtown arena?

Mr. Blackett: Well, I can say at this particular point in time that I haven’t given that due consideration, but I have been in discussions with the mayor about a number of different issues with respect to the arts community, and I’ll hold that under advisement.