Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackHeart
You know its funny.....you want people to come into Edmonton to spend money at the arena and other businesses, but at the same time you want a toll road to punish those that would come into Edmonton to spend it
This whole "revitalize/shop downtown core" whine fest has been going on for 30 years. Nothing has really changed to address the real issues. Slapping some bricks down on the road with some concrete planters and some how thinking that will get them flocking in.
Toll roads......what I think of those that keep proposing this idea (because they can't manage their tax budgets without wasting it on hockey arenas for billionaires).....I cant say on here. Hey if the arena is SUCH A GREAT economic engine and job creator and tax benefit, you shouldn't have any problems with funding infrastructure. BUT ITS NOT!!!! And hence the desperate clawing at the pennies in the gutter without seeing the steamroller coming.
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Yep. If you earn your coin here you should pay a toll to get here and since you don't pay taxes on this new arena you should pay a toll to use that too. You want the benefits of having a big city nearby then you should pay to use those benefits. Arenas aren't the only reason you come to town either so don't get stuck on one point.
Arenas beat the heck out of art galleries, Winspears, Mutarts, etc that definitely appeal only to the rich or the entitled. They give ZERO back to the economy. In fact they're a drain.
The planters might not influence things much but the new arena and surrounding ice district sure will as indicated by the sell rate of all the new high-rise condos that are going up. Theres a large demographic that prefers to live where the action is as opposed to the burbs. AND they pay taxes.
Don't come to the arena, ride the lrt, or drive in Edm traffic dude. Stay in your perfect little burbs and utilize your own facilities. Pretty simple and all your choice.
Treat Edm as a Pay to Play destination.
Now throw that Toonie into the toll slot k?