count. Dan McCreary wants to get the ball rolling on potential plans to build a new sports and entertainment facility in Brantford.
The Ward 3 councilor introduced a notice of motion at a council meeting on Tuesday directing city staff to hire a consultant, at an estimated cost of $200,000, to develop a plan for a 5,000-seat facility capable of being a home to an Ontario Hockey League franchise.
Considering the development of such a facility is one of the terms in the city’s agreement with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs which will play at the Brantford civic center for at least three years, starting with the 2023-24 season. There is an option to extend the agreement for three additional one-year terms.
“I want to advance this,” said McCreary, whose notice of motion calls for a report come back to councilors by the end of the year. “We want to make sure we have an OHL presence into the future.”
The notice of motion will be discussed and voted on by councilors at an upcoming meeting.
It asks that the plan for a facility include a recommended location; cost estimates, including capital and operating; a financing plan, and delivery of timelines.
McCreary said there has been tremendous support for the Bulldogs, demonstrated by the sale of more than 2,000 season tickets within a week of them going on sale.
Councilors voted unanimously in early February to begin finalizing an agreement that will bring the team, which will change its name from the Hamilton Bulldogs, to Brantford. The team had been looking for an arena to play in while their home arena, FirstOntario Center in Hamilton, undergoes renovations.
The 56-year-old civic center will undergo extensive renovations to bring it up to OHL standards. While the Bulldogs will pay for the estimated $7.5 million in upgrades, the city will give the team a leasehold improvement allowance of up to $3 million for the work. If the Bulldogs decide to leave after three years, they will return the $3 million to the city.
In addition, the city will spend more than $1.6 million to install and HVAC system in the building.
McCreary said that while city residents are getting behind the team, “the angst comes with paying for (a new facility).”
“It will be decision time for council and the community,” he said.
McCreary said the facility wouldn’t be just for hockey but for other sports play, including lacrosse, and other entertainment events.
Brantford hasn’t had an OHL franchise since the Alexanders played out of the civic center from 1978 to 1984.
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