How much public cash is on the line for new arenas in Canada?

The Markham hockey arena debate is an interesting one because it seems to pit the starry-eyed dreams of NHL-franchise ownership against the cold, hard financial realities of building an entertainment complex in a moderately-sized Canadian city.

One would think it would be the public putting on a full-court press for a hockey arena and local politicians playing the part of wet blanket, but such is not the case.

A public meeting was extended well past midnight on Tuesday as the public raised concerns about the finances behind project, which involves a controversial levy on future home construction. Ultimately council approved going forward with the project.

[ Related: Markham council votes to build NHL-style arena in epic public meeting ]

That is not to say support wasn’t mixed, because it was. Council was split 7-6 in favour of the current financial framework and by no means were public speakers wholly on the side of financial restraint.

But it does underline the murkiness that comes with spending public money on building arenas to the benefit of a professional sports team or, in Markham’s case, the dream of hosting a professional sports team.

The dangers of public spending of sports arenas is spelled out in the book Field of Schemes: How the Great Stadium Swindle Turns Public Money Into Private Profit. It asserts that a sports arena does not guarantee a financial windfall for the city.

So how much public money is being spent on Canadian sports arenas? Here is a breakdown of four current projects.

GTA Centre entertainment complex

Where: Markham, Ont.

Cost: The $325 million price tag will be split between a group led by a local developer and the city, which will cover its half in part by introducing a levy on future home construction. Critics say the cost of levy will simply be passed on to the public.

Breakdown: City council rejected a motion to rethink the financial framework Wednesday morning, meaning construction of the 20,000-seat hockey arena will proceed for now.

Downtown hockey arena for the Edmonton Oilers

Where: Edmonton

Cost: $450 million. Edmonton will pay $125 million, partially through a ticket surcharge, and the province will be asked to pay $100 million.

Breakdown: The city will own the building and says property taxes will not be increased. Council approved the framework last week after a public battle with Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz.

Saskatchewan Roughriders football stadium

Where: Regina, Sask.

Cost: $278 million. Regina will cover $73 million, while will likely lead to an incremental increase to property taxes. The province will cover $80 million.

Breakdown: Council approved the plan in a 10-1 vote earlier this week. The new stadium has been promised for the 2017 season.

Investors Group Field football stadium

Where: Winnipeg, Man.

Cost: $190 million. The Winnipeg Sun crunched the numbers of the complex funding agreement and reports that taxpayers are on the hook for $127.5 million through various grants and forgiven loans.

Breakdown: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are expected to play their next season in the 33,000-seat facility. Taylor Swift is coming to play the stadium in June.