Edmonton wants citizens' input on downtown arena

The City wants input from Edmontonians about a downtown-arena district. Starting on October 28, people can give the city their opinion on a website by filling out a questionaire. The website, currently being set up, will also offer background information on the project.

Daryl Katz, owner of the Edmonton Oilers, has offered some big numbers for an arena. Katz is pledging $100 million towards the construction of a city-owned arena, plus $100 million more towards the development of the proposed site.

With elections over, the city felt it was a good time to gather public input. There will be four public consultations in November, as well as two invitation-only stakeholders meetings.

The Katz group has said in its discussions with the city that the Oilers will not play in a renovated Rexall Place.

The price tag for the arena alone is estimated to be $250 million. The proposed site is at 104th Avenue and 102nd street.