The_Cat said:
I think the CRL will be great if downtown can proceed with more residential construction. There has been residential development like Stationlands and the Parks. There’s no guarantee that the events centre will spur development downtown, even though the Ice District has brought more Oiler fans during the playoffs. I do think, though, that extending the CRL will provide more funds for improving downtown.
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I believe some of the money was to go to infrastructure development in the area to facilitate residential construction and it was mentioned some may go to cover the Winspear expansion costs which also needs to be funded.

The situation with downtown is still pretty dire and as the funding for the Stationlands pedway already illustrated sometimes government money can give a needed boost to developments.

I am glad at least one candidate for mayor took a break from populist pandering but I am disappointed in another now.
 
Actually, the Agreement between the City and OEG as co-equal partners on the Event Centre stipulates that the development of two housing projects on ICE District Phase II land have to proceed in advance or at least concurrent with development of the Event Centre. And rumor has it that the third tower of Phase I will also proceed at the same time.
 
From a political point of view, Knack had to do something to differentiate himself from the other major candidates and to coalesce the non-conservative/progressive vote behind him since he’s the only major progressive in the race so far. With 3 conservative candidates entering the race, he needs to make sure nobody runs as a “populist anti new arena deal” candidate and siphons the vote away from him.

If he wasn’t running for mayor, he’d probably vote the same way as Paquette with the exact same reasoning. Extremely uncomfortable but a reluctant yes.

Just because someone publicly states a stance like Knack did doesn’t mean there’s conversations privately on who’s voting for or against a contentious vote and it’s known by the councillors. Doesn’t mean I agree with it or think it’s ridiculous but that’s how it works.

It’s the same with Janz voting against some of the big rezonings in his ward. Good politically for him to appease some in his ward but with the understanding that others in council will carry the rezoning anyway allowing a safe “against” vote.
 
Knack showed a clear lack of leadership. Whoever advised him should be let go. It's disappointing because he's been a decent councillor.. The last thing this city needs is another Sohi type at the helm. We need a Carney type, Get things done. The current council has not made this city better in any tangible form.
 
Kosy123 said:
From a political point of view, Knack had to do something to differentiate himself from the other major candidates and to coalesce the non-conservative/progressive vote behind him since he’s the only major progressive in the race so far. With 3 conservative candidates entering the race, he needs to make sure nobody runs as a “populist anti new arena deal” candidate and siphons the vote away from him.

If he wasn’t running for mayor, he’d probably vote the same way as Paquette with the exact same reasoning. Extremely uncomfortable but a reluctant yes.

Just because someone publicly states a stance like Knack did doesn’t mean there’s conversations privately on who’s voting for or against a contentious vote and it’s known by the councillors. Doesn’t mean I agree with it or think it’s ridiculous but that’s how it works.

It’s the same with Janz voting against some of the big rezonings in his ward. Good politically for him to appease some in his ward but with the understanding that others in council will carry the rezoning anyway allowing a safe “against” vote.
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I sort of get it, but if he chokes on this what will be next? The city needs leadership and vision not a politician who cautiously calculates how he votes.
 
I listened to his rationale twice when he had the opportunity to speak before the votes on the final readings were taken on Friday. Knack has the most politically calculating (non)platform that is all too common these days for those who think only of their own political fortunes instead of the constituents that they are supposed to serve and whose interests they should hold front and centre. So now I have seen a threefur from him directly related to the prospects of downtown Edmonton -- nix on the CRL extension (affecting housing, the Winspear Centre and the Event Centre), nix on the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the funicular and Hotel Macdonald, and nix on the Aerial Tram -- all 3 would have been economic spurs to downtown Edmonton. And Janz is equally bad for the City.
 
So people are seriously considering voting for the candidate who, less than a week ago, called for a moratorium on infill? Have you lost your minds?

I think @Kosy123 had the correct take—it's probable that renewing the CRL is better than nothing, but frankly it should leave a very bitter taste in our mouths that we got pushed into this OEG deal without a chance to advocate for what matters to us as a city.
 
constance_chlore said:
So people are seriously considering voting for the candidate who, less than a week ago, called for a moratorium on infill? Have you lost your minds?

I think @Kosy123 had the correct take—it's probable that renewing the CRL is better than nothing, but frankly it should leave a very bitter taste in our mouths that we got pushed into this OEG deal without a chance to advocate for what matters to us as a city.
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Cannot agree more with that^^

No one asked for an event park. There’s no studies showing the need or independent analysis citing the benefits vs tradeoffs to other venues and spaces.

We have lots of other projects that need funding. Would have been nice to not collude with a single billionaire developer vs prior programs like the tax incentive from 2021.

We need the CRL. So this has to happen. And also, screw katz and the UCP for their unethical business practices.
 
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