October 25, 2011

RE:

In Favour - Proposed Downtown Arena and Entertainment Deal

I am writing on behalf of the ONEdmonton Downtown Vibrancy Task Force (DVTF). The DVTF was created late in 2010 as an extension of EEDCs ONEdmonton Leaders Forum; an initiative which brings together Greater Edmontons top leaders from a wide spectrum of perspectives and disciplines for common vision and direction through informed discussion, debate and action. The more than 150 participants of ONEdmonton identified a vibrant urban core as a top priority for moving Edmonton forward in its goal of becoming one of the worlds great mid-sized cities. As a result, the DVTF was founded to accelerate the development of a strong and vibrant urban core. A list of the members is attached. The DVTF believes that City Council should vote in favour of the downtown arena and entertainment deal.

We want a vibrant downtown that uniquely defines our city. A place that is engaging to citizens and visitors, and that has dynamism during both business and leisure hours. The new arena and entertainment complex will make an enormous contribution in this direction. Vibrant city centres are becoming table-stakes for global competitiveness because of the significant influence they have on resident retention and attraction. While considerable progress has been made in Edmonton over the past decade, there is much more we need to accomplish. The new arena and entertainment complex will be a timely and transformational element for the vibrancy of our urban core, and correspondingly a welcome enabler in our labour-related efforts.

c/o Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, 9990 Jasper Ave, Edmonton AB T5J 1P7

Vibrancy is a shared benefit, and also a shared responsibility, for public and private entities. The new arena and entertainment complex is a positive example of this kind of mutual collaboration. In The Way Forward, The Way We Live, and the Capital City Downtown Plan, the City of Edmonton has expressed a vision for our downtown that is lively, sustainable, attractive, social, and transformational. The new arena and entertainment complex contributes energy and momentum in each of these areas. Vibrancy attracts people. People attract more people. More people attract more business. As a cultivator of vibrancy, the new arena and entertainment complex will have a favourable influence on the citys desire for increased residential and business density in our urban core, and in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

As members of the DVTF, we believe in the expression, As goes your downtown, so goes your city. We encourage City Council to approve the downtown arena and entertainment deal, and to continue to support initiatives that add vibrancy to the heart of our City. We appreciate the opportunity to express our thoughts, thank you. We look forward to a favourable council decision. Sincerely, ONEdmonton Downtown Vibrancy Task Force

Simon OByrne Chair

c/o Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, 9990 Jasper Ave, Edmonton AB T5J 1P7