Calgary officials have launched a new Calgary Flames arena survey, an important part of the public engagement process for the project.
Flames owner Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. and Calgary officials have been mapping out plans for a new C$550 million arena, to be financed as part of a public-private partnership. As part of that planning process, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) has launched a public engagement process to gather feedback.
With the arena expected to be the anchor of a larger redevelopment initiative in Victoria Park, city officials are looking for insight into how residents expect the venue to blend into the surrounding area. Additionally, officials are seeking input on the design of the building, helping to generate ideas as the planning process moves forward. An online survey has been lunched, and public discussions on the project have been scheduled around the city. More from CBC News:
CMLC, the project manager, wants feedback specifically around how the building could look, what programming and retail stores it could offer, and how the building should fit in with the neighbourhood.
“We’re really excited to hear from Calgarians and have them help us figure out the best way to integrate this project with the urban environment,” CMLC president Kate Thompson said Wednesday.
Calgarians can submit their opinions through an online survey, at 24 upcoming events covering each city ward and through a series of roundtable discussions.
The consultation period ends March 27.
Under the terms of the agreement, both sides will contribute C$275 million toward the new arena’s construction. The city is also chipping in funding to push its overall contribution to C$290 million, including costs toward the demolition of the Flames’ current home, the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Saddledome opened in 1983, making it the second-oldest facility among full-time NHL arenas, and has not undergone a significant renovation since the 1990s.
Currently, construction on the new arena is expected to begin in the summer of 2021. It would be completed in advance of the 2024-25 NHL season.
Conceptual rendering courtesy City of Calgary.
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