It really should feel like Christmas Eve in Edmonton. But of course
it doesn’t because the mercury got up to 31 degrees Monday.
But I don’t sense any excitement as we hang up our shorts and
T-shirts this evening. Because May 8, 2013 could go down as one of
the biggest days in Edmonton’s history when city council gives the final green
light for the new downtown arena.
The operative word here is could.
I think the arena deal is far from over. And although we have
been told to uncork certain adult beverages on May 8 as the day Edmonton
finally tumbles over the monumental hump, I’ll just stick to coffee, thank you.
I am afraid the entire project is still very much at risk. I
also think it could be turned into an election hot potato when Edmontionians go
to the polls in the fall.
Oh, sure: if the missing $55 million for the project somehow appeared the vote would be a no-brainer. But without it how can we expect city councilors to move forward?
Oh, sure: if the missing $55 million for the project somehow appeared the vote would be a no-brainer. But without it how can we expect city councilors to move forward?
We can’t. If they did they wouldn’t be acting responsibility.
Over the several years we he seen the two parties involved,
city council and Edmonton Oiler owner Daryl Katz, jostle for positioning. Both
parties have shown leadership and vision for the city.
On the other hand, both parties have remained steadfast in
their position and do not want to move anymore.
It’s all part of negotiations.
But at this crucial point, when the future of Edmonton’s
image could very be reflected in a negative light if the project is lost
forever, someone has a golden opportunity to be the savior here.
Both the city and the Katz Group could make a last-second
concession. And who knows if that isn’t being discussed now, or perhaps later
Tuesday evening? Maybe a deal maker is …
Or could that be the provincial government, who has repeatedly
said there will not be any provincial funding?
Someone has to make a significant step forward to move the
downtown arena deal ahead.
If not, I fear we’re going to continue the process of wheels
spinning and, sadly, loose the opportunity of Edmonton being on even ground as
a great Canadian city.
Yet, heroes manifest themselves every day.
Only time will tell if Edmonton will have one walking down an
Edmonton street in May — rather than a chimney in December.