If You Build It...

BREAKING - ARENA VOTE - The proposed event centre deal passes 11-4 #yyc @GlobalCalgary pic.twitter.com/93p3RIPgeM

— Michael King (@MKingGlobal) July 30, 2019

The rationalizations and justifications for building a brand-new arena for the Calgary Flames with $275 million in public funds and very few details while simultaneously cutting $60 million from the budgets of transit, police, and fire protection in Calgary are done. The Flames will get their money from the city after city council voted 11-4 in favour of the tentative agreement struck by the city of Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment.

While I truly believe in not using public funds to pay for buildings that are used almost exclusively to generate money for billionaires, it's clear that Calgary city council believes differently than I do. They have that right, and I can't hold it against them. Voters in Calgary certainly can, though, and I emphatically implore each and every citizen of voting age to really hold their councillors over the fire if there's even a slight uptick in crime rates, poorer service on public transit, or slower response times from firefighters and paramedics in that city.

While there is certainly reason to be overjoyed if you're a hockey fan in the city of Calgary, this simply doesn't feel right. I'm sorry that Calgarians are being represented by a number of cowards who voted to cut services while providing money to billionaires, but the ball is squarely back in the court of the voters now if things don't go well in Calgary with less services. Remember this when the campaigning for city council seats are up for grabs in the next municipal election.

For now, break out the shovels, Calgary. You're getting a new rink.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!