Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[elly63]

Surrey’s American bleacher boycott latest unlikely product of Canada-U.S. trade tensions (Video)
Martin MacMahon ctvnews.ca February 12, 2025

You can tow them.

You can unfold them.

And, apparently, you can boycott them too.

U.S.-made mobile bleachers have become the latest surprise casualty of the tense trade relationship between Canada and its southern neighbours.

The City of Surrey is walking away from plans to award a contract to an American company.

“In this case, it is interesting that it is mobile bleachers that has struck a chord with people,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke told CTV News at city hall on Wednesday.

“I think it’s incumbent on every one of us, whether we’re a city government, provincial government or an individual. I think we have to be very concerned about our purchases.”

Locke says she’s willing to buy from a Canadian company, even if it means spending more than the $740,000 initially set aside for the bleachers.

“The price is slightly higher for the Canadian product,” Locke acknowledged. “That being said, we must – and we’ve made a decision to – support Canadian companies.”

Surrey’s move comes as other municipalities take action.

Maple Ridge has outlined its plan to review its procurement practices with an aim to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services.

And earlier this week, Vancouver city council unanimously voted to prioritize Canadian purchases when possible, after a push from Green Party Coun. Pete Fry.

“(The goal is) to grow a more resilient economy, to protect our local businesses, and really to jump on board with the rest of Canadians who are passionate about protecting our sovereignty and our economy and really this Team Canada approach that we are seeing from coast to coast,” Fry told CTV News on Tuesday.

As for whether this is a temporary measure or a permanent change in approach for Surrey when it comes to buying U.S. products, Locke says that comes down to what the American president does next.

[J.OT13]

Bye Bye Colisée Pepsi

Le vieux Colisée sera démoli

Par Émilie Pelletier, Le Soleil
24 février 2025 à 04h00



EXCLUSIF / Après une décennie de réflexion, la Ville de Québec a finalement tranché le sort du Colisée. L’ancien amphithéâtre sera démoli et le site «hautement stratégique» du centre-ville fera place à un projet «structurant» mixte, incluant des logements, dans ce secteur événementiel et commercial, a appris Le Soleil.

«Ça fait 10 ans, il faut arrêter de changer d’idée. On est allés au bout de la démarche. Il faut trancher et c’est ce qu’on fait», annonce au Soleil Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc, conseillère municipale responsable du patrimoine au comité exécutif de la Ville de Québec.

Dès le début de l’entrevue destinée à partager les conclusions de l’analyse de la Commission d’urbanisme et de conservation de Québec (CUCQ) sur la valeur patrimoniale du Colisée, l'élue expose ses couleurs.

Même si, à défaut de mieux, la Commission recommande de garder le bâtiment debout, l’administration du maire Bruno Marchand a fait son nid : le Colisée sera démoli.

Depuis sa fermeture, en septembre 2015, l’ancien amphithéâtre trône à ExpoCité sans vocation précise.

Les «besoins» avant la nostalgie

Voilà que l’administration Marchand s’engage pour concrétiser sa volonté de «tirer le maximum de potentiel de ce site». Et sa vision de redéveloppement du secteur nord-est d’ExpoCité n’implique pas de garder le Colisée debout.

Celle qui est aussi présidente de la Commission d’ExpoCité fait ainsi savoir qu’un «projet de remplacement concret et structurant» sera élaboré au cours des prochains mois afin de répondre aux «exigences» notamment de la pénurie de logements, mais aussi des besoins exprimés par la population.

Après avoir soumis plusieurs scénarios lors d’une récente consultation publique, la Ville de Québec considérait désormais deux options: celle de renforcer le pôle événementiel existant ou encore de le transformer en un secteur combinant événementiel, commercial et habitation.

«Nous tranchons pour un projet de mixité et ce projet va supposer la démolition du Colisée, fait savoir Mme Coulombe-Leduc. C’est un site qui a été nettement sous-utilisé et pour lequel ExpoCité, les citoyens et la Ville ne tirent pas le bénéfice qu’ils pourraient tirer en ce moment.»

Le secteur, ceinturé par la rue Soumande, l’avenue du Colisée et le boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, est appelé à changer de visage.

Espaces publics et verdissement font aussi partie des ambitions. Un «hommage» pourrait aussi être rendu au Colisée, pour consoler les plus nostalgiques.

Ce nouveau développement impliquera forcément la disparition de stationnements. Mais pas trop puisqu’une entente entre la Ville et le gestionnaire du Centre Vidéotron (QMI Spectacles) oblige au maintien de 3400 cases «tant et aussi longtemps» qu’un transport structurant ne passera pas autour du site.



À l’heure actuelle, près de 4000 espaces de stationnement sont disponibles sur les terrains d’ExpoCité, dont environ 700 au pourtour du Colisée.

Version de 1949 «impossible»

L’administration Marchand se targue d'être collée sur sa promesse électorale. En 2021, elle proposait une vision similaire à celle qu’elle retient aujourd’hui, laquelle comprenait toutefois quelque 800 nouvelles unités d’habitation.

«Ça va être moins, mais au final, c'était assez réaliste sur le fond», compare Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc.

Elle dit s'être alimentée des recommandations de la Commission d’urbanisme et de conservation de Québec pour en arriver à cette conclusion.

Même si la possibilité de faire tomber le Colisée avait maintes fois été évoquée par le passé par l’ancien maire Régis Labeaume, la Ville s’est adressée pour la première fois en novembre dernier à cette instance pour obtenir son avis sur une potentielle démolition.


Un croquis du projet du site du Colisée, proposé en 2021 par l'équipe du maire Bruno Marchand (Québec forte et fière). (fournie par Québec forte et fière/fournie par Québec forte et fière)

Dans son rapport, que Le Soleil a pu consulter, la CUCQ conclut en somme qu’une démolition partielle de l’ancien temple du hockey de Québec n’est pas envisageable. Un retour à la version originale du bâtiment, dont la valeur patrimoniale est supérieure à l’actuelle, serait «impossible».

«C’est tout pogné en pain», illustre Mme Coulombe-Leduc, parlant notamment des structures des gradins en béton. «Enlever des éléments de la structure de 1980 pour en revenir à la version de 1949 nécessiterait des interventions telles qu’on dénaturerait le bâtiment» le plus ancien.

oute idée de convertir le Colisée à d’autres fins est ainsi écartée définitivement. «Avec les connaissances qu’on est allés chercher sur le plan de la structure, on comprend qu’on est assez limités dans notre capacité à réutiliser le bâtiment», note la conseillère municipale.

Ainsi, dans l’attente d’un projet détaillé, la CUCQ préfère le maintien du vieil amphithéâtre à sa démolition complète.

«Mais elle n’a pas pu juger de la supériorité d’un projet de remplacement par rapport au bâtiment actuel», nuance Mme Coulombe-Leduc, qui se dit «convaincue» que le projet final est «supérieur» en termes de valeur.

Quand et à quel coût?

Les grandes questions du quand et du combien ça coûte demeurent cependant entières.

La Ville de Québec travaille encore avec la vieille facture estimée de 2020, qui chiffrait la démolition entre 17 et 20 millions. Une «mise à jour» de cette donnée financière est prévue.

Au-delà des coûts, la démolition du Colisée est un choix de «raisonnabilité», estime l'élue de Cap-aux-Diamants.

«Ce n’est plus tant une décision économique, mais plus qu’on est très limités dans notre capacité de réutiliser le Colisée. C’est plus compliqué de convertir le Colisée que l'église Saint-Jean-Baptiste.»

Fort des investissements en pérennité réalisés ces dernières années, le vieil aréna ne représente pas un «danger» à l’heure actuelle.

La présence d’amiante, de plomb et d’autres contaminants, autant sur le site que dans le bâtiment, forceront aussi une décontamination complète.

«On parle de coûts qui n’ont fait qu’augmenter depuis la fermeture du Colisée, parce qu’on a tergiversé, mais le coût environnemental aussi va aller en augmentant», anticipe Mme Coulombe-Leduc.

Survivre aux élections

La métamorphose du secteur nord-est d’ExpoCité s'étirera forcément sur plusieurs années.

«Chose certaine, le Colisée ne sera pas démoli avant la prochaine campagne électorale», affirme avec réalisme la conseillère municipale.



D’ici là, l’administration Marchand veut amener son projet «le plus loin possible». En s’adressant subtilement à ses collègues des oppositions, Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc avise qu’il y a «beaucoup d’argent mis dans cette saga-là».

«Ils pourront proposer un projet réaliste à la lumière des informations qu’on a, invite-t-elle, mais ce serait irresponsable de changer à 180 degrés, notamment d’un point de vue de finances publiques. On a fait le tour de rue le plus complet pour appuyer le scénario qu’on retient aujourd’hui.»

«Je pense qu’on a assez tergiversé. On a fait nos devoirs et on va de l’avant.»

https://www.ledroit.com/actualites/le-fi...-sera-demoli-DYEDTVRLNFHK3MWF7RMKF3HLNQ/

Here she is in her original glory.


https://icehockey.fandom.com/wiki/Colis%C3%A9e_Pepsi

[craner]

I actually thought the Colisee was long gone by now. Thanks for posting that.

[elly63]

BMO Field going through number of renovations to elevate fan experience for World Cup
The Canadian Press March 3, 2025

TORONTO - A question of what kind of lasting legacy the 2026 FIFA World Cup will leave in Toronto was answered Monday.

BMO Field, which will host six games at the upcoming tournament, is undergoing a number of renovations made to enhance the stadium and elevate the fan experience, including expanded capacity and four new LED scoreboards.

The announcement was made at the stadium on Monday with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, executive director of Toronto's World Cup secretariat Sharon Bollenbach and Milton MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport Adam van Koeverden among those in attendance.

"We have that answer now. It's going to be permanent," said Van Koeverden, who made reference to permanent changes that positively impacted Toronto from the 2015 Pan Am Games. "It's going to provide fans, and anybody who comes to this stadium, with an enhanced experience and that's something that's so, so special.

"We know that the 2026 (World Cup) will leave behind permanent improvements for Toronto FC and for future matches here in Toronto and that's really exciting."

Construction began in December and will be done around August said Nick Eaves, chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

While he said it will take patience from the fans — Gate 1 of the stadium will be closed as TFC and the CFL's Toronto Argonauts' seasons are in play — Eaves added "we promise … the product on the pitch will be spectacular."

Capacity is being temporarily increased to 45,000 for the tournament, from approximately 28,000 to meet FIFA World Cup requirements.

In addition, there will be improved LED sports lighting, enhanced audio systems, and expanded Wi-Fi throughout the stadium. There will also be hospitality changes, including a rooftop patio area fans can watch games from.

Self-serve technology powered by artificial intelligence to streamline concession stands and enhancements to the field, player spaces and locker rooms will also be a part of the renovations.

"As a host city, we know that this event isn't just about the matches on the field. It's an opportunity to showcase Toronto on the global stage, to celebrate our rich diversity and leave a lasting economic and cultural benefit," Bollenbach said.

"The economic benefit such as job creation and increased economic activity for local businesses will provide a foundation for long-term growth well after the tournament concludes."

Bollenbach pointed to an economic impact assessment FIFA released in December estimating the tournament will generate $940 million in economic output for the Greater Toronto Area, including $520 million in GDP growth, $340 million in labour income and $25 million in government revenue.

The stadium capital project broke ground in December. The City of Toronto is investing $123 million, along with a multi-million dollar investment from MLSE for both temporary and permanent enhancements.

In addition, Bollenbach said they had received a letter from the federal government Monday morning confirming funding of over $100 million toward the project.

The men's soccer showcase has been expanded to 48 teams in 2026. In addition to Toronto and Vancouver, there are 14 host cities — 11 in the United States and three in Mexico.

The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with Canada staging 13 of the 104 matches.

Toronto will five group-stage matches and one in the Round of 32, including Canada's men's tournament opener on June 12, 2026.

Chow urged people who visit Toronto from other parts of the world to stick around even after Toronto is done hosting matches mid-tournament for the fan fest that will take place.

"That tourist or sports fan coming to Toronto, stay more than those six games. Stay for the fan fest," Chow said. "Because they will experience a Toronto, a place where they have never experienced before in terms of the spirit where the people will be cheering their home country's game.

"There's no place in this world like Toronto, every country is represented in Toronto. … When there's a big party, we like to be there."

[elly63]

BMO Renovations

[Coldrsx]

A couple of throwbacks from Edmonton. Early Rogers Place/ICE District, Coliseum construction and a relatively recent new rink for the UofA Bears.

[craner]

http://https://livewirecalgary.com/2025/03/17/road-and-sidewalk-closures-coming-to-stampede-trail-through-april/

The article isn’t really about Scotia Place construction (more about the surrounding infrastructure development) but contains a recent ariel photo of the site.

[SteelTown]

Update....

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

More interior pics via The Spec. Photos courtesy of Cathie Coward.

"Renovations continue at Hamilton’s downtown arena that’s scheduled to re-open sometime later this year. A view of the former playing surface.":




"A new street-level concourse is being created from space previously used for storage that runs nearly all the way around the downtown arena.":


"The former staircase leading onto York Boulevard has been mostly removed and replaced with a concrete floor that will eventually be part of a restaurant.":


"New floor-level private boxes shot from behind (in what had been largely unused space in the basement of the arena) looking into the arena. The 10 suites will each hold up to 16 people.":


Video: https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews...55f-4d018517dd7f/67d30353ba49c.video.mp4

[Djeffery]

And Hamilton's first event announcement, so far as I know, is that they are hosting the Juno Awards in March 2026.

[J.OT13]

Small update from Ottawa on the potential Downtown Sens Arena.

18,000 seat arena;
They are working on design;
They are working on ways to connect with the O-Train Stations.

If they are comfortable doing that work before purchasing the land, they must be pretty confident this will get done.

https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/senators-talks-ncc-lebreton-flats-progress

[ned]

Talking about Ottawa, here is a fresh video on the stadiums and arenas found there.

• Video Link

[J.OT13]

New LeBreton Flats Master Plan documents submitted to the City of Ottawa gives us an idea of what the Sens can build beyond their arena.

Looks like four towers attached to the arena, 3 x 20fl + 1 x 30fl, totaling 608 residential units and 201 hotel rooms. They will get a second parcel of land, though it's unclear which one. The most likely parcel, a triangle between the arena and Bayview Station, will accommodate a 30 and 40fl towers with 592 units.

https://devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D07-16-24-0026/details

https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10399556&postcount=1174

[ericmacm]

The Vancouver Whitecaps are in talks to build a new stadium at the PNE grounds. The Whitecaps have never really been able to fill BC Place and only use about half the capacity (with the remainder draped off with dividers) for their regular season games. Discussions are currently at a high level and no capacity has been specified yet. I can imagine that it will most likely resemble Empire Field. Worth noting as well that the Whitecaps have been for sale for a while and don’t appear to have had any biters yet.

It’ll be interesting to see what comes of this. This would make the BC Lions the sole tenant of BC Place.

[many]

Originally Posted by ericmacm

The Vancouver Whitecaps are in talks to build a new stadium at the PNE grounds. The Whitecaps have never really been able to fill BC Place and only use about half the capacity (with the remainder draped off with dividers) for their regular season games. Discussions are currently at a high level and no capacity has been specified yet. I can imagine that it will most likely resemble Empire Field. Worth noting as well that the Whitecaps have been for sale for a while and don’t appear to have had any biters yet.

It’ll be interesting to see what comes of this. This would make the BC Lions the sole tenant of BC Place.

I find this strange that the Whitecaps being in talks with building new stadium while there are looking for new owners and most of the rumors are suggesting that they will be bought by Americans and moved to the States specifically Las Vegas

[WhipperSnapper]

Costs next to nothing to be in talks and adds franchise value. I wouldn't take this too seriously.

Likewise Ottawa, costs next to nothing to hire a firm to come up with preliminary flashy designs but, adds value for the Sens negotiations with the the people of Ottawa reps in paying for the construction.

[ericmacm]

Originally Posted by many

I find this strange that the Whitecaps being in talks with building new stadium while there are looking for new owners and most of the rumors are suggesting that they will be bought by Americans and moved to the States specifically Las Vegas

Yeah I saw the Las Vegas rumour as well so I was surprised to see this. I was looking through one of the Reddit threads on the subject and saw that a journalist knew about this back in 2021, with the Whitecaps targeting a construction date of 2027. I don't know how much credibility that initial rumour had, but it makes you wonder how long this process has been going on for.

I hope they don't get moved to Las Vegas. There was another set of rumours that CF Montreal was also planning on moving, first involving Detroit and now most recently involving Indianapolis. I know the MLS doesn't like the fact that there are Canadian teams in the league, but it would be brutal if we lost both and were left with only Toronto. It's nice that we have the CPL, but I think it is going to be a long while until it hits a similar level to MLS.

[jonny24]

Originally Posted by ericmacm

I hope they don't get moved to Las Vegas. There was another set of rumours that CF Montreal was also planning on moving, first involving Detroit and now most recently involving Indianapolis. I know the MLS doesn't like the fact that there are Canadian teams in the league, but it would be brutal if we lost both and were left with only Toronto. It's nice that we have the CPL, but I think it is going to be a long while until it hits a similar level to MLS.

That would have to be the Indy 11 trying to move into MLS by buying an existing franchise rather than waiting for expansion?

[Acajack]

I hope they sort things out but the CF Montréal increasingly looks like a franchise in disarray.

It's widely discussed in Montreal that Joey Saputo has become way more interested in his other club, Bologna, which plays in the prestigious Serie A in Italy.

[ScreamingViking]

Someone supposedly "in the know" on the Ticats fan forum has noted Porter as the new name rights holder for Hamilton's stadium. (so long, Tim Hortons)

Whether it's true or not, who knows. It would make sense from the perspective of the airline's foray into the market though. And bold, given the probable timeline of the rights.

[Djeffery]

Still wouldn't be surprised Tim Hortons emerges as the sponsor of the arena.