If you’ve been following the never-ending Calgary arena saga over the past few months and years, you’ve probably heard a phrase repeated ad nauseum by Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi.
Public spending must come with public benefit.
The phrase hasn’t been used to necessarily stamp down any contribution from the City of Calgary’s coffers to the new Flames building, whatever form it may take, but it’s basically been an attempt to frame any contributions. So far, proponents of the arena project – ranging from the Flames to Tourism Calgary and others – have touted the public benefits of the potential building.