The City of Calgary and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) have agreed to begin formal discussions with a fresh start toward a new event centre, according to a press release from the city. 

"We’re at the beginning of an important stage," said Councillor Sonya Sharp, Chair of the Event Centre Committee. "A new event centre for our city will attract investment and international events. It will have enormous benefits for visitors and for Calgarians. We look forward to working with CSEC for our mutual benefit and for a result that works for everyone."

According to the release from The City of Calgary, CSEC has agreed time is of the essence to reach a formal agreement on a new event centre while ensuring they take the time necessary to reach an agreement that will meet The City and CSEC’s needs.

"I must emphasize this point," said Stuart Dalgleish, General Manager of Planning and Development Services for The City. "We must do this right, which means we will need space and we will need time to work on a successful agreement. We will be keeping our discussions confidential and reporting to the Event Centre Committee when the time is right."

With CSEC and The City now entering formal discussions, The City’s third party have fulfilled their mandate and their work has concluded. Moving forward, The City will now be represented by CAA ICON, who are experts in structuring deals for major sports and entertainment venues in North America and Europe. CAA ICON will have local support from Altus Group’s Calgary office.

"This new team has the right expertise to get the best outcome possible for Calgary," said Sharp. "Our environment has changed quite a bit over the past couple of years. With everything we have learned, I am confident that CAA ICON representing The City is our best path forward and reflects how important this project is."

The city press release underlined that a new event centre remains important to Calgary and its growth as a modern city. The new facility will be a year-round community destination attracting people, events, investment and redevelopment/revitalization.

"Home to the Calgary Flames and other professional sports teams, the new event centre will host global and local art and entertainment events, and be an amenity for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy."

Previously in 2019, original talks collapsed due to an increase in budget costs. 

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