Surrey council has given the green light for a dedicated entertainment district in the city centre, but not everyone thinks it is a good idea.

The new entertainment district, located just north of City Hall, would be anchored by a new arena with 10,000 seats.

“We know, a city of 723,000 people without a large gathering space, there isn’t a city in North America that doesn’t have that kind of amenity in it,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said at a council meeting on Monday.

However, one councillor said taxpayers could be on the hook for the new arena.

“My estimate is it’s going to cost around $600 million,” Coun. Linda Annis said.

“And I’ve come up with that number by comparing it to what the budget is for the Newton Rec Centre. It’s a very significant cost. We don’t have a tenant.”

Ann

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