Some Edmontonians gathered in front of City Hall Sunday, protesting a controversial proposal allowing the use of public funds to partially pay for an arena in downtown Edmonton.

Approximately 75 people turned out for the rally, carrying signs and speaking out on the issue.

The protestors are against an agreement between the city and the Katz Group – which could put money from a community revitalization levy, towards a new arena and home for the Edmonton Oilers.

The city is looking to fill a $100 million gap in funding.

Some think the billionaire owner of the team should simply pay more money towards the arena.

"Katz can dig up more money, I'm sure." Norman Wilson said Sunday at the rally. "If he can't, we'll find someone else."

Others aren't completely clear on some of the fine points of the proposal, which came together after months of public meetings and public consultations – in a late-night closed door meeting.

Not all councillors are behind the proposal, five city councillors voted against the deal. One has spoken publicly against the plan.

"It was the most manipulative motion I've ever seen in my life." Councillor Ed Gibbons said in an interview on June 1. "And I do not like being manipulated."

Two sides on the issue were represented at Sunday's rally, with one Oiler fan showing up in support of the plan.

"It's for our city," Amanda Callum said. "It's going towards our city. It's going towards our team."

People attending the rally said they are not against the hockey team or the arena; they're just against tax money being used to pay for part of the arena.

Protestors are hoping more pressure on the city will force councillors to take another look at the agreement-in-principal, before it's too late.

"Ultimately, if you put enough pressure on a politician, they will do exactly what you want," Scott Hennig, from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said Sunday. "That's what they need to do here."

Another point the entire deal hinges on, a $100 million contribution from the provincial or federal government.

With files from Sean Amato