NDP leader hopes to see ‘fine print’ before backing Calgary Flames arena deal – Winnipeg Free Press

CALGARY – Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley says there is too much fine print hidden to back a $1.2 billion deal to replace the aging Saddledome with a new arena for the Calgary Flames.

Notley says he can’t commit to going through with the deal until he knows what the final project and costs are.

And he says that this will not be known until long after the provincial elections on May 29.

The agreement announced last month would see the province spend $330 million on the public transportation project, road improvements, public services, recovery and other infrastructure.

Notley, appearing on Global Calgary today, says the deal represents an exciting opportunity for Calgary and those who live in the area.

But she says the public should remember that over 18 months the cost doubled from a previous deal and the expected public contribution tripled.

“We haven’t seen the fine print yet,” Notley said Friday.

“All I’m doing on that issue is taking a very cautious, conservative approach that I think most Calgarians and Albertans would expect us to do to find out who is involved in what types of elements in this plan and then make our decision. . ”

On Thursday, the NDP pledged to spend $1.2 billion to build more hospitals, schools and light rail transit lines in Calgary.

Both the NDP and the United Conservative Party have focused on Alberta’s largest city during the election campaign.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 12, 2023.