Initially, I was very sceptical of Edmonton's deal with Katz to get the new arena done. Katz's ham-handed, arrogant negotiating was particularly revolting. 

Now that the new arena is up and operating I accept that the deal is going to be a winner for Edmonton as much as it is a winner for Katz. The 'Ice District' redevelopment is truly spectacular and will spur more and more redevelopment in ever-widening circles in forthcoming years. In 50 years the former wasteland of downtown Edmonton will be completely transformed.

Already it is easy to see a new vibrancy in Edmonton's inner city. This was already beginning pre-Rogers but is now accelerating. In a perverse way the recent U-Haul terrorist incident gave proof to this. Previously, Jasper Ave after midnight was barren and unpopulated. Not so now.

I must also admit that the new arena is really a rather spiffy joint for watching hockey.