The significance of Premier Christy Clark’s absence from a major press conference held by Telus (TSX:T) last week became clear Wednesday, with the announcement the local telecom will not get naming rights to BC Place.
Despite investing more than $10 million to turn the stadium into one big wireless hotspot, and despite being one of the BC Liberal Party’s largest corporate donors, the B.C. government announced Wednesday that BC Place will be keeping its name.
Telus was offering $40 million for naming rights.
“Government decided not to approve a naming rights agreement for BC Place following extensive discussions between the BC Pavilion Corporation and Telus,” Pat Bell, minister of jobs and tourism, announced in a press release.
“This decision was made after determining that the proposed agreement did not provide best value for taxpayers. We also believe British Columbians have a strong attachment to the BC Place name.”
“We are deeply disappointed with this decision,” said Telus CEO Darren Entwistle. “It is regrettable. We believe Telus, our brand and our 25,000 team members and retirees across British Columbia would have been a great partner for one of the greatest sports facilities in North America.”
Political columnist Bill Tieleman said it seems odd for a government that is trying to balance its budget to turn down $40 million, and suggested Clark’s government and Telus may be having a falling out.
“You don’t need to be an insider to see that when one of the largest private sector corporations in the province announces $3 billion in investment and 1,300 jobs, and there’s no one from the government there, that there’s something seriously wrong,” Tieleman said. “This is a premier that doesn’t miss a photo opportunity to create three jobs.”
At a press conference last week, Entwistle announced $3 billion worth of investments in B.C. over the next three years. Roughly one-third of that investment is a direct result of a $1 billion agreement the B.C. government signed with Telus to provide government telecom services and extend broadband Internet and wireless service to rural areas of B.C.
It also included $10 to $15 million worth of Telus hardware at BC Place, including 800 wi-fi access points, 1,200 wireless sites and 1,150 high-definition digital screens.
Bell said PavCo will negotiate an agreement with Telus for the hardware it has installed.
