I think a 79 year old business man summed it up well -- we are not against a downtown arena, but how do you justify giving a billionaire tax payer money so he can collect all the revenue.

Using same 8% rate, don't be fooled by fact it appears Katz Group switch from $100 million upfront to 30 payments of $5.5 million (totalling $165 million) means he's paying more. Time value of money would suggest he is actually paying $22 million less. As the lump sum equivalent of 30 payments of $5.5 million is $78 million dollars --

We need to build this arena to draw more people into the downtown area. I believe that this is necessary for the growth and future of Edmonton. Imagine a city without the Edmonton Oilers...

They will have a distinct advantage with the new facility and it's location

Time for the paralysis by analysis to stop, and to move this stagnant city forward.

I agree we watch Calgary -- but in Calgary business pays more then lip service -- they actually put their money up, rather than look to government for hand outs.

I don't think that the yes voters have thought of the implications regarding Northlands. They have been doing a good job in this business for 100 years. This will cause a slow death to Northlands and ultimately the taxpayer that covers the shortfalls. Most of our younger citizens of Edmonton don't know the importance and the history of Northlands. This city can not support 2 arenas and we already have a good one. Why would you not want the money to indirectly stay in the city coffers by supporting Northlands. Instead of giving billionare Katz a new arena with all the profits. The younger crowd is only thinking of another venue to party around and not the big picture and our mayor is part of the problem. He does't care how much he puts the city in the hole cause he won't run in the next election anyway.

We don't finance companies required buildings so WHY FINANCE A BILLIONAIRE????

Coliseum (Rexall) has a lot of history and memories. Why don't we show the rest of the world that we don't have to tear down a perfectly good building just to have a fancier arena. We should be more concerned with LRT, our terrible road conditions,, and for council to reduce our taxes for a change. There is economic turmoil in the world and we are concerned about an arena. The NHL will not allow Katz to move the Oilers, he can only sell them. Besides , other cities operate just fine without a pro hockey team.