Halifax Stadium Discussion

[fenwick16]

This was posted by Haliguy in the Nova Centre thread but it also applies to the stadium. It would be good to see the federal government commit to some funding.

In my opinion, there is no connection between the convention centre delay and the stadium. Apparently Defense Minister MacKay is just letting Premier Dexter know that he also supports the construction of a stadium.

(source: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9021653.html )

MacKay: 'We're ready to go' on trade centre
Ball in developer's court on downtown Halifax project, federal minister says
By DAVID JACKSON Provincial Reporter
Mon, Aug 8 - 4:24 PM
.
.
.
MacKay met with Premier Darrell Dexter on the weekend, and said the two spoke about the convention centre project, a federal loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill hydro project and the possibility of a stadium in the capital.

“Things are going well from my perspective. All of those initiatives will serve our province very well, will serve our region very well,” MacKay said.

“And so I’m encouraged at the status of these projects and these discussions and we should have some good announcements in the fall.”

Halifax regional council is scheduled to resume debate Tuesday on whether to go ahead with phase 2 of a stadium feasibility study. It would cost $275,000, while an initial report cost $100,000.

The study, released last month, says Halifax Regional Municipality could build a 10,000-seat stadium for sports and other events. The proposed facility would accommodate temporary seating doubling the capacity. Cost of the proposed stadium is unknown, though municipal staff have said it could be about $60 million. Phase 2 of the analysis would include cost, design and candidate sites.

MacKay has said publicly that he personally supports the idea of a stadium for the Halifax region, and that federal land at Shannon Park in Dartmouth would be a good site.
.
.
.

There was also a story in TSN.ca by regarding the stadium (link - http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/alex_walling/?id=373419 )

WALLING: HALIFAX CAN'T AFFORD TO DROP BALL ON STADIUM
Alex J. Walling
8/7/2011 9:02:59 PM
.
.
.
Halifax almost had a stadium on a few occasions. In the early 80's, the Halifax Schooners almost happened under the guidance of ex-CFL man, the late J. I. Albrecht. The Schooners had an office and were almost selling season tickets when the stadium deal with the federal government fell through. The team had paid the $25,000 application fee but did not meet the deadline for the $250,000 franchise fee.

"We had it," J. I. told me, "before the feds changed their minds on a stadium."

This time, city council is taking the lead and, in round one, many were on board. But the thought of coughing up $275,000 while not having many answers is causing second thoughts. That and an election being only 15 months away may be a negative at this time.

The other time Halifax almost had a stadium is when they went for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. A 45,000-seat stadium was proposed for the event but Halifax backed out.

Regina, Winnipeg, Calgary and all CFL cities have a stadium. Regina wants a new one, Hamilton is building a new one, BC is revamping theirs for the Grey Cup and Halifax sits out of the loop. This city is supposed to be the economic, banking and business centre in Atlantic Canada; it has nearly 400,000 people but has a city council that waffles.

One thing is for sure and that is, if Halifax misses the boat on the 2015 Women's World Cup, then forget about a stadium for a long, long time. And, without a stadium, bring the CFL east to Moncton because they deserve the chance simply on their initiative.