Should Calgary spend $412M upgrading Arts Commons?

If you've been to Arts Commons recently, you know the space is looking tired and dated.

The theatre and music venue was built in 1985.

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That's why Arts Commons is asking the city for a $412-million upgrade complete with three new theatres, the latest in production equipment and a much brighter, more modern look.

Phase one of the Arts Commons project would see a new building constructed for $208million on the west side of Olympic Plaza, while phase two would transform and refurbish the existing building for $204 million.

On Monday, city council will begin sifting through its capital spending priorities. Ahead of that, officials have launched the Arts Commons Transformation project ACT using the hashtag#ACTNOW.

The Calgary Eyeopener's Unconventional Panel featuring George Brookman, CEO of West Canadian Industries, Manjit Minhas, a founder of Minhas Breweries and star of Dragons Den, and Michelle Minke, founder of Cowtown Opera also weighed in this week.

"I confess, number one, I believe we should be spending this money," said Brookman.

"This is money that will generate revenue, bring tourism, bring people, create a culture much more than the Green Line [LRT] for example, at $4.6 billion."

Minhas agreed.

"I'm on the same lines as George in that yes, it needs to be done," she said.

"Maybe not necessarily first, but I think in the two phases they've planned it's about time. I think it really contributes to a liveable city. Not only tourism, but to go into your own city to find entertainment, to do a lot of things that are right here, to attract shows, to attract the right type of individuals in the arts, for example, to come here.

"If you went back and asked people about the public library, look how much it's used right now. I drove by at 6:30 p.m. on a Tuesday and it was packed. We need more places we can all converge, and meet, and go and enjoy not only the arts, but each others' company."

Minke was the dissenting opinion on the panel.

"Three new theatres is a lot, and there's already some amazing facilities and theatres that are being underused right now in our city," she said.

"What worries me is, is the value for our arts really happening in our city right now? I've been to 10, 20 concerts at Arts Commons this season already, and there's crickets. Every show is barely sold.

"Do we really need more theatres? And yes, that building looks beautiful, but we have beautiful buildings. Calgary's [new Central] Library has a beautiful new theatre I just think the money could be better spent in investing in our community and our artists, rather than a beautiful building."

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener