This Millionaire Will Donate $100K To Calgary Libraries, But Only If The City Approves Uber

    W. Brett Wilson says it's his money, so he can attach any strings he wants.

    Ishmael N. Daro
    by Ishmael N. Daro

    BuzzFeed Social News Editor, Canada

    W. Brett Wilson, the entrepreneur and former Dragons' Den judge, says he will donate $100,000 to the Calgary Public Library — but only if the city approves Uber.

    Uber Canada / Via newsroom.uber.com

    Uber launched in Calgary in October despite not having regulatory approval to operate in the city. Multiple drivers have already been ticketed and could face thousands in fines.

    Wilson announced his potential donation at a gala event in Calgary this week, where he was given the Bob Edwards Award recognizing "ultrapreneurs" who have a big impact on public life.

    Druh Farrell @DruhFarrell

    .@WBrettWilson announces gift to the @Calgarylibrary of $100,000 IF #yyccc approves Uber. #2015BEAG

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    Wilson told BuzzFeed Canada he has no financial stake in Uber, but thinks Calgarians deserve access to the service.

    The reaction has been mixed, with some suggesting it was unfair for Wilson to tie his donation to a city council decision he wants to influence.

    * W. Brett Wilson * @WBrettWilson

    @ktbaker_horn why? It's my money. I can use it to raise the bar. It's not a secret bribe. It's not hidden. Uber is everywhere. Why not YYC?

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    Anthony Reimer @AnthonyReimer

    Reading the news back home. Wondering why we have elections if wealthy citizens like @WBrettWilson can openly offer a bribe to #yyccc.

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    Jason Filiatrault @jfiliatrault

    I was fine with Uber right up until @WBrettWilson decided he should hold a library hostage and bribe the government to get his way.

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    Others are cheering Wilson's advocacy.

    Mark Kornak @MarkDawg

    @calgarylibrary Good on @WBrettWilson. Calgary needs @Uber_Calgary @DruhFarrell and @Nenhsi do not get it. https://t.co/SBtl969edE

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    Steve Armstrong @sdaparatus

    To quote #PM23: It's 2015! Why are we still using a taxi system designed in the 1800's? Thx @WBrettWilson @Uber https://t.co/InaKZWMTks

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    For what it's worth, Wilson says he's not holding the library hostage.

    Dragons' Den / Facebook

    Wilson said he was "clearly having some fun with it" and wanted to create discussion around Uber. He also expects Calgary to eventually approve the service.

    "They're going to find a compromise," he said.

    Wilson said he uses Uber around the world and for Calgary to “push back and find ways to not approve it reeks of influence peddling on the part of the anachronistic, bombastic, monopolistic taxi industry.”