A Calgary alderman is claiming city administration is playing dirty when it comes to lease negotiations with the city’s only motorsports race facility.
Ward 12 Ald. Ric McIver said he is concerned city administration is making it “almost impossible” for Race City Speedway to obtain a five-year lease extension.
“I’m concerned with the way things are going right now and I am asking administration to continue negotiations in good faith,” McIver said.
Of concern to McIver is an $180,000 deposit administration wants from Race City just to negotiate a lease with no guarantees, according to documents obtained by Metro
“I think Race City Speedway deserves better. It appears they are beating up on a small business to put them out of business.”
Race City Speedway owner Art Mackenzie said he feels the city is playing “hard-nosed” with the lease negotiations.
“Why … because they don’t like me? I’m still trying to work with them on a lease, but it’s been a process,” he said.
Mackenzie said under his previous lease Race City paid about $37,000 a year and now the city is asking for $113,000 per year.
“I just don’t think that’s very realistic.”
Kathryn Osterberg of the city’s Corporate Properties and Buildings said the city declines to comment.
“Because Race City Speedway has outstanding litigation with the city we will not be making any comments,” she said.
