The Flames' vision to build a professional and amateur sports complex in the city's West Village yesterday "hit a major roadblock" following the release of a city analysis showing CalgaryNEXT could ultimately cost about $1.8B (all figures C) and have taxpayers "pay up to two-thirds of the tab," according to a front-page piece by Trevor Howell of the CALGARY HERALD. It is a "staggering sum" that city hall sources believe will force Calgary Sports and Entertainment "to regroup and possibly overhaul" its $890M public-private funding scheme to replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome and McMahon Stadium. The report "heads to council Monday and recommends" city administration, the Calgary Municipal Land Corp., CFL Calgary Stampede and Flames ownership "consider a new arena on or near Stampede Park, upgrade McMahon Stadium and build a public field house at Foothills Athletic Park." CalgaryNEXT administration concludes the plan "is not feasible in its present form or location.” Flames President & CEO Ken King conceded CalgaryNEXT "always faced an uphill battle." He said that the organization "will provide a comprehensive response in May or June." King: "We should end up with competing visions and the one that makes the most sense should win. We’ll happily review and listen to their proposed concepts and ideas" (CALGARY HERALD, 4/21).
IN IT TO WIN IT: In Calgary, Eric Francis in a front-page piece writes those who assume CalgaryNEXT will be shelved by yesterday's "damning analysis" issued by the city "don’t know much about" the Flames or their owners. The Flames "have long been aware Mayor Naheed Nenshi has little interest in entertaining the complexity of finding a necessary solution to replacing the city’s aging sports venues." It is "safe to say they weren’t shocked" when the results of the study was rejected. King and his team’s owners "are well-versed in the art of crafting deals and the ability to overcome long odds." Francis: "Nothing is dead yet" (CALGARY SUN, 4/21).
