Port Alberta CEO speaks out for Downtown Revitalization

 CEO Wendy Cooper spoke at the public hearing on proposed funding framework for the downtown arena Tuesday morning in support of the project. “Stimulating the Edmonton economy, this project has spin off potential in retail and commercial space development, transportation and infrastructure sustainability, municipal revenues and world class services. This is a project is an investment in our downtown core, and the chance to develop a sustainable, revitalized heart for this area and the city as a whole.” Full presentation is below:

October 25, 2011

Presentation to Mayor and Council, City of Edmonton

Public Hearing on Proposed Funding Framework for Downtown Arena

On behalf of Port Alberta, I am writing to advocate preserving our forward momentum in constructing a new arena as a catalyst to our growing position as a world class city. The revitalization of the downtown area is pivotal to the continued development of a vibrant and successful heart to the Edmonton community. The reality of the new arena and, more importantly, the stimulus of the surrounding commercial area will not only provide a sustained growth to municipal revenues, but would stand as a monument to the power of private and public collaboration to the greater benefit of the Edmonton region. With rising inflation, land and construction costs I would like to urge you to consider the savings associated with a timely executive decision to advance this project from planning and negotiations to the fundamental reality.

This is not just about an arena or a hockey team. This is about the kind of city we want to be 30 years from now. Edmonton has the potential to be a leading city that attracts the best and brightest minds in the wake of the resource driven powerhouse our economy has the potential to be; this arena with its commercial components will start to make that happen. Stimulating the Edmonton economy, this project has spin off potential in retail and commercial space development, transportation and infrastructure sustainability, municipal revenues and world class services. This is a project is an investment in our downtown core, and the chance to develop a sustainable, revitalized heart for this area and the city as a whole.

For all these reasons we urge you to support a deliberate step in the revitalization of downtown Edmonton and support the new arena initiative. Do not allow this opportunity platform pass us by. Let us begin by focussing on the final outcome – Edmonton, the great northern city, 30 years from now.

Wake the sleeping giant that is Edmonton’s potential. We need visionary leaders to stand up and be counted – and that is you!

Sincerely,

Wendy Cooper

President and CEO

Port Alberta