Edmonton’s ice district takes centre stage in community revitalization levy renewal debate

Edmonton’s ICE District Fan Park, known for hosting Oilers playoff watch parties and outdoor concerts, has become the focal point in a growing debate over the future of a major downtown tax funding program.

The Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), a financial tool that allows municipalities to borrow against future property tax revenues to fund major infrastructure projects, is set to expire. City council is now considering whether to extend the levy for another 20 years — a proposal that has drawn both strong support and vocal opposition.

“We need long-term investment, and that’s why this deal and an extension of the CRL is intended to help for the next 20 years, to reinvigorate this city,” said Doug Griffiths, president and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

Several downtown-focused organizations, including the Downtown Business Association, joined forces on Monday to call for the CRL’s renewal. Supporters argue that the downtown core — already suffering from a shrinking tax base — needs continued investment to recover and grow.

“If we don’t do these things now, we won’t have the tax base downtown to support a city this size,” said Puneeta McBryan, executive director of the Downtown Business Association.

A key point of contention is a multi-million dollar joint investment proposal between the City of Edmonton and the Katz Group to expand the ICE District Fan Park. Critics say the plan uses public dollars to benefit the private owners of the Edmonton Oilers.

“The owners can pay for it themselves. They don’t need Edmontonians to pay for this. We have a lot of other priorities to pay for,” said Coun. Michael Janz, who represents Ward Papastew.

Janz said he plans to bring forward a motion calling for a referendum question on the CRL renewal to appear on the ballot during this fall’s municipal election.

“This is not how this should go,” said Janz. “We want to have a conversation about how to maximize public dollars for public benefit — let’s have that in public. But this is not it. Other businesses have been denied an opportunity to participate here.”

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed his support for extending the levy, aligning himself with other downtown leaders pushing for long-term economic development.

Griffiths criticized the pushback against the CRL extension, saying it distracts from the broader goal of revitalizing the downtown core.

“The only reason why we’re here is because a couple of people have decided to play politics instead of talk about the future of this city,” said Griffiths.

A public hearing on the proposed CRL extension is scheduled to take place Thursday at Edmonton City Hall.

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