Today the Downtown Vibrancy Task Force finalized a letter to City Council expressing our support for the proposed downtown arena and entertainment deal. This is a follow-up on the January letter written in support of the rezoning. Here’s the letter:
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Our chair, Stantec’s Simon O’Byrne, spoke to Council in the second group of participants at today’s public hearing. A couple of his statements:
- “Only people matter when it comes to vibrancy.”
- “We believe this deal is an acceptable and advantageous tradeoff for Edmontonians.”
- “No other catalyst will result in more people downtown.”
- “Incredible opportunity to turn 16 acres of horrifically ugly gravel parking into the city’s premiere destination.”
The public hearing continues all day at City Hall. You can watch or listen live here.
No one thought it was a conflict that Simon was the head of the arena project for Stantec? That he and his employer have been paid by the Katz Group? Have to say, Mack, I find this disappointing.
It should have been disclosed publicly at the hearing, though I suspect everyone on Council is well-aware of the relationship. The Katz Group’s Bob Black is also a member of the DVTF.