Edmontonians gathered at the Art Gallery of Alberta Thursday as the Katz Group introduced the public to its vision for a downtown arena development.
At 11 a.m., the Katz Group started its public open house to allow Edmontonians to ask questions about the proposed project.
"I think it's fantastic and it's going to be very nice for Edmonton," said Johanna Giemza who attended Thursday's meeting.
Bob Black, Katz Group executive VP says the meeting is a great opportunity for the people of Edmonton to learn more about the Edmonton arena district.
"I wouldn't describe it as a sales pitch I would describe it as a process of ongoing dialogue."
On Wednesday, the group revealed what it envisions for an entertainment plaza within the district, complete with an outdoor pedestrian area framed by several restaurants and shops.
Now, the group shows more images of its design concept for the proposed downtown arena district, including an aerial view of the arena surrounded by office towers and an entertainment area.
A discussion opened up about the concern of traffic downtown. The engineer behind the group's pitch says roadways can handle the extra traffic in and out of downtown with the help of 3,000 parking stalls and new LRT lines.
"We could have up to five LRT stations within about a 10-minute walk of this facility -- so that really adds to the ability for people to come downtown," said Ray Davis with Bunt & Associates.
It was only two weeks ago that the Katz Group submitted its zoning application to the city for the arena development.
The group has revealed it wants to the city to pay for and own the $400 million arena.
The Katz Group says during Thursday's open house, there will no talk of possible funding models.
But it appears more Edmontonians continue to question how the project will be paid for.
"I would love to see this in Edmonton but then I haven't heard much about the cost and I'd have to sit down and listen to them talk about how it's going to be paid for," said resident Barb Ootes.
Black says while he recognizes that people want to learn more about funding, they are still in the process of establishing a funding model for the project.
Some city councillors have questioned whether the public's questions can be answered in time with the Katz Group's goal of completing the arena by 2014.
Coun. Kim Krushell says residents shouldn't get too attached to what's being shown in early images because the city could have a final say on what the arena would look like if the city shells out the dough.
The Katz Group says it hopes to break ground on the project by 2012.
With files from Scott Roberts
