The arena would be part of a major events centre that would see upgrades to Victoria Park and the BMO Centre

The City of Calgary and the Flames are once again discussing a new NHL arena

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Details are scarce, but discussions about a new NHL arena in Calgary are back on.

Ward 6 Councillor Jeff Davison confirms there have been recent discussions with Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation.

Davison said an arena would be part of a much bigger plan to create an economic hub at Stampede Park and the neighbouring community of Victoria Park.

This morning, I held a press conference and provided an update on the Event Centre. You can read the transcript of my remarks here: https://t.co/KAZKGKsdzt#yyc #yyccc #EventCentre #Calgary #Onward — Jeff Davison (@JeffDavisonYYC) January 24, 2019

“Calgary’s new cultural and entertainment district delivers that vision and the events centre is what makes it all possible.”

The proposal would see an events centre, along with the BMO Centre expansion and Arts Commons makeover to anchor the entertainment district.

The concept still requires cost and financing details to be worked out.

READ MORE: Calgary councillors working towards committee to restart arena talks

“A lot of the projects are going to need more information,” Davison said. “What we want to do is put our best foot forward and say, here’s what we know so far and here’s what we might possibly recommend.”

Davison said he’ll be asking his council colleagues to commit to the idea in principle which will likely happen next week.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said the city shouldn’t put tax dollars into any private business, including an arena.

Franco Terrazzano with the CTF explains that just because the team is popular doesn’t mean that taxpayers should pay for any new arena for the Calgary Flames

“Calgarians love the Flames, but tickets, not taxes should pay for a new professional arena. If any business wants to expand their production or build a new facility, they shouldn’t be relying on taxpayers to do so.”

Terrazzano said council should be focused on lowering taxes instead of investing in multi-million dollar projects for private companies.

On Friday, Ernst & Young will present an Economic Impact Assessment Report detailing the benefits of developing the Rivers District.