Calgarians remain divided on CalgaryNEXT as Edmonton debuts new arena

Survey shows static support for CalgaryNEXT Opening of Edmonton’s new arena has done little to sway the opinion of Calgarians on CalgaryNEXT. Rahim Ladhani reports

The introduction of a state-of-the-art professional hockey arena and concert venue in the provincial capital has prompted a review of the stance of Calgarians on a possible replacement for the Scotiabank Saddledome and McMahon Stadium.

According to a poll of 823 Calgarians conducted by Mainstreet Research/PostMedia on September 7, 2016:

According to Mainstreet, the poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.41% 19 times out of 20.

“With high profile new venues in arch rival Edmonton (Rogers Place) and in Regina (Mosaic Stadium) we wanted to see how awareness of those affected opinions about the proposed Calgary Next arena/stadium”, said Quito Maggi, President of Mainstreet Research.

“While some Calgarians are envious, the majority still do not approve of the CalgaryNext financing proposal. In fact, opposition to the financing proposal has increased.”

The results of the poll mirror the findings of surveys conducted in 2015 when the topic of a new arena for the Calgary Flames was originally broached to season ticket holders and the media.

The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) says the CalgaryNEXT project would cost an estimated $1.3 billion while city officials suggest the number would be closer to $1.8 billion

Under the CSEC’s proposal, the City of Calgary and CSEC would each contribute $200 million to the project while the remaining costs would be covered through a community revitalization levy and a ticket surcharge.

With files from CTV's Rahim Ladhani