The Premier's Office is not ruling out an investment in a city downtown arena district. Officials told CTV News it's open to funding new infrastructure around the new arena, but won't directly fund the rink.
A spokesman for the premier told CTV News the province would entertain requests for funding for more services and transportation linked to the project: "We also understand there are a number of other infrastructure requirements the city would have with downtown revitalization," said Cam Hantiuk.
"Certainly the government would consider looking at improvements to infrastructure that would contribute to downtown revitalization."
The city is trying to find about $100 million from other levels of government to fill a gap in funding for the arena. This comes days after city council reached a framework agreement with the Katz Group regarding the arena plan.
The agreement solidified, among other items, the funding model for the arena district.
Sports economist Dan Mason told CTV News the plan to fund infrastructure instead of the rink might be the best way for the province to satisfy the needs of the project, and taxpayers at the same time. "If you contribute to the overall infrastructure development which contributes to the vibrancy of the downtown, then the province is in fact contributing to that element. It's not necessarily contributing to the arena or the Oilers themselves."
The province said it's in deficit mode -- and funding is tight. Money is still needed for school boards, and the province is now obligated to help rebuild areas in northern Alberta ravaged by recent wildfires.
With files from Scott Roberts
