Northlands doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. The organization is making it clear they aren't backing down to the Katz Group and the downtown arena. During a meeting with council, city administration revealed Northlands is refusing to cooperate with city staff.
The organization presented to council on issues other than the arena, including new seats at Rexall Place and parking lot improvements, but those topics were quickly sidetracked.
City Coun. Jane Batty had asked Northlands president Richard Andersen about the organization's debt ratio, but Andersen responded by saying that wasn't something they came to discuss.
That's when city administration revealed it is not receiving information from the organization.
"Northlands has at this time declined to provide that information," said city manager Simon Farbrother.
City administration is looking into the long-term sustainability of Northlands, as part of the ongoing new arena discussion.
"That's a big responsibility and it actually requires a lot of due diligence on our part," said Lorna Rosen, chief financial officer with the City of Edmonton.
"We respectfully decline to provide that information," said Andersen.
Andersen says the questions were off-side.
"We are in a awkward spot here. We are not an agency of anyone. We are a stand alone not-for-profit."
"I don't have a quick answer on this -- all I can say is everything seems to be a bit of a gong show," said Coun. Kim Krushell.
Northlands maintains it is not involved in a new arena, and has no business discussing it.
"We haven't been in the room with either part at the same time. We don't have a dog in the fight," said Andersen.
The organization is now looking to upgrade its facility to offer concerts, the CFR and awards shows.
"We got to make sure they're a sustainable organization, but at the same time we need a new arena. Every report we've ever had said there is no room for two facilities the same," said Stephen Mandel.
But Northlands isn't going down without a fight to be the top arena in the city.
"We were every forced into that and I hope common sense prevails with all parties and it won't come to that, but if it every came to that I like our chances."
Andersen also pointed out Northlands has a lease with the city to be the premier arena in Edmonton until 2034.
With files from Kevin Armstrong
