A lot has happened since Alberta’s premier, Calgary’s mayor and councillors, leaders of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. and the Calgary Stampede gathered on a parking lot in east Victoria Park in April to unveil the development.
Since the various sides announced an agreement in principle to build a new arena, the UCP government has been re-elected, some initial provincial money was earmarked for infrastructure, and more discussions about a definitive deal have taken place.
Members of city council, tourism officials and downtown leaders are eager to find out what’s in store next.
“Like everybody else, we are just waiting for final confirmation of all the other partners — that they’re coming to the table with all of the resources and dollars,” said Coun. Terry Wong, whose ward includes downtown Calgary and is a member of the event centre committee.
“Everyone is waiting with bated breath whether or not this is a go-ahead, and how soon this will be completed.”
Coun. Andre Chabot, who is also on the committee, said he’s looking for an update on the project’s status, which he considers to be a key economic building block for Calgary.
“We will get a chance to discuss exactly where the project is at,” Chabot said Wednesday.
“From our perspective, based on what I know, I think things are progressing along quite favourably.”
