Dear Calgarians…we’re falling behind and City Council needs to hear our concerns.

Whether you are a Flames fan, Stampeders fan or a fan of concerts, it’s time to make your voice heard. When the news of CalgaryNEXT was announced in August of 2015, we were excited at the prospect of finally having a world-class home for sports and entertainment. Almost 2 years have passed and it seems like we are no closer to getting new sports and entertainment facilities in our city.

So, what has happened?

From what we understand Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (“CSEC”) has put the CalgaryNEXT proposal on pause with the promise from the City that a Victoria Park, Plan B option would be discussed. Residents of Calgary who were anticipating this exciting project have been left in the dark. We’re now leading up to the civic election and if there isn’t progress soon it may not be until 2018 before any movement is made. As Calgarians, we need you to stand tall and have your voice heard.

As hockey fans, you deserve MORE than to see your beloved Flames play in the oldest arena in the NHL. Some great memories were made there, but let’s face it we need a new building.

As football fans, you deserve MORE than to see your Stamps play in a stadium that is well past its life cycle.

As music lovers, you deserve to see your favourite artist without having to travel 300km to the north. The Saddledome’s roof acts as a deterrent for acts like Garth Brooks, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars who have been overlooking Calgary as a viable venue and taking their shows to Edmonton instead.

And as Calgarians, your money should be staying here in this community, supporting our bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. rather than supporting our neighbours to the north.

The Mayor recently stated publicly that 99.999997% of Calgarians are against new sports infrastructure for Calgary. We want to show the Mayor and Council that this number is not accurate.

Here is where you can help.

We understand that the financial structure of the project needs to work for all parties involved but if you agree that Calgary needs new sports and entertainment infrastructure we would ask that you consider signing this petition.

If our sports and entertainment infrastructure is not a priority for City Council now, it may be another 10-15 years before we see a new arena, stadium or fieldhouse for Calgary.

We owe it to ourselves to show not only that we care about our sports and entertainment but our need to improve our community as a whole.

Make your voice heard by signing this petition today.

Sincerely,

Sean Fraser - A proud Calgarian.