City of Calgary Approves New Event Centre

Representatives from the three groups behind the arena deal pose for a photo after the vote. From left to right: Barry Munro, who handled negotiations for the city; Coun. Ward Sutherland; John Bean of CSEC; Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Ken King of CSEC; Stampede CEO Warren Connell; Coun. Jeff Davison; and Coun. Shane Keating. (Audrey Neveu/Radio-Canada)

Drew Anderson CBC News - Calgary city council has approved a deal with the owners of the Calgary Flames to help finance what it calls a new event centre in East Victoria Park. 

Council voted 11-4 Tuesday afternoon, with Councillors Evan Woolley, George Chahal, Jeromy Farkas and Druh Farrell voting against.

The building will be the new home of the Flames and will act as an anchor for the planned entertainment district bordering the Stampede grounds on the east side of downtown. 

Coun. Diane Colley-Urquhart said the arena will be about more than hockey — it will be about development.