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Katz Group supplied images of proposed downtown arena district project, May 6 2010. hi res files. EDMONTON - The Oilers could be playing in a fancy new rink by 2015 after city council gave the go-ahead Wednesday to a $450-million arena intended to transform downtown Edmonton. I think it s an incredible opportunity for us to redefine our city, said Mayor Stephen Mandel, who has spent the last f free football streaming ive years promoting the project. It s always easy to say no it s courageous for council to say yes. While the Oilers won t be able to leave their current home in Rexall Place in the fall of 2014 as originally planned, city officials said they could be ready to move the following season.But there should be announcements about new businesses in the entertainment district around the arena shortly a free football streaming fter council signs off on a final contract in a few weeks, Mandel said. I think development is the easy part of this. You will have hotels, restaurants you will have all sorts of life, he said. I m hoping in future this will be a watershed moment for the city and downtown. The plan, which passed 10-3, uses money from the city, Oilers owner Daryl Katz, a ticket tax and a hoped-for contribu free football streaming tion from the province to fund an arena costing no more than $450 million.If bids from construction companies are higher, either side can walk away from the deal.Katz had committed to investing an additional $100 million into surrounding projects when the market warrants, but in a last-minute change on which he was consulted will now put in $30 million before arena construction starts.Councillors free football streaming Ed Gibbons and Tony Caterina, who have raised numerous concerns about the agreement framework passed last May, wound up voting in favour of the final deal. I have needed all along to feel and see commitment from the Katz Group to be able to move, said Caterina, who proposed most of the amendments. This is a much fairer deal than what was brought back from (talks with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman free football streaming in) New York If there are people upset on both sides, that probably means it s a pretty good deal. But Coun. Don Iveson, unhappy with the prospect of government money helping pay for an arena since the issue hit council last January, said he still isn t satisfied the city received everything possible. I have not yet seen a compelling argument specifically justifying the funding formula before u free football streaming s most of the arguments boil down to a leap of faith, he said, adding he wants proof the team actually needs help. We re simply told over and over again that the Oilers won t be sustainable without this specific deal. Once the agreement was approved, councillors immediately started the ball rolling toward construction by approving $30 million for design work.This should mean an interim schemati free football streaming c diagram will be ready next spring and a final design, which the city and Katz must both accept, going to council in November 2012 so the project can be sent out to tender to set a price.In the meantime, Mandel is taking the next crucial step toward seeing the arena built convincing a reluctant provincial government to provide $100 million in some form to complete the financing.Premier Alison R free football streaming edford has indicated the issue isn t one of her top priorities, but Mandel said he wants to meet her to explain how funding could be arranged. This is a project about northern Alberta. It s not just about Edmonton. Edmonton shouldn t be the only one paying for it. The province should come to the table and help us. Coun. Kim Krushell said one option might be boosting provincial LRT construction cas free football streaming h, allowing the city to redirect money to the arena.Council has rezoned about 6.5 hectares for the arena and surrounding development on sites now occupied by the Baccarat Casino, parking lots and vacant fields along 104th Avenue between 101st Street and 104th Street.It bought land 10 days ago to beat an Oct. 31 expiry date for Katz purchase options, but the amount of property and the exact price free football streaming estimated at $20 million to $25 million won t be released until the transaction is completed.In addition to the arena construction budget, the city plans to spend $72 million to $82 million for the land, half the cost of a pedway over 104th Avenue and LRT connections.The arena plan also includes the possibility of the city building a separate community rink next door if the province and the fed free football streaming eral government each kick in a third of the budget.In a written statement, Katz Group vice-president John Karvellas described council s decision as a strong vote of support for the downtown arena. We will work with city administration to understand the implications of the new elements of the deal introduced in today s motions in the context of the agreements that need to be completed by month-en free football streaming d, he said. We believe the Edmonton arena district is a great opportunity that will benefit our entire city and region. The NHL s Bettman was also happy with the outcome. I am thrilled for the City of Edmonton and I want to congratulate and thank Mayor Mandel and Daryl Katz for their hard work and commitment, he said in a written statement. The future of the Oilers couldn t be brighter. gkent@ed free football streaming montonjournal.comWHAT S NEXT?Once council approves a formal agreement with Oilers owner Daryl Katz and borrows $30 million to start design work, likely in November, an architect will probably be announced within a few weeks.The next big event will be completion of preliminary schematic designs in spring 2012. Once city council accepts them, construction plans that can be sent out for bids will pro free football streaming bably go for council approval in November 2012.But a source for the remaining $100 million in funding must be determined before the deal can be completed.The province is also being asked to create a community revitalization levy area covering most of downtown. This will allow the city to use property taxes from new development in that district to pay for the arena and other civic projects. Play free football streaming Fantasy Hockey, now with Pro Leagues! Updated Oct 27, 8:48 am EDT free football streaming
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