Stadium vote key to Halifax CFL proposal

EDMONTON • The fate of the Canadian Football League’s expansion- team- in- waiting is now in the hands of Halifax regional councillors and Mayor Mike Savage.

On Tuesday, they will debate a motion from Halifax Regional Municipality staff recommending a one- time contribution of $ 20 million toward construction of a stadium that would house the Atlantic Schooners, if and when CFL governors approve expansion.

The stadium as proposed by Schooner Sports and Entertainment ( SSE) calls for a building with 12,000 permanent seats, 10,575 semi- permanent seats and standing room for 2,000. An inflatable dome would allow yearlong use of the facility by community sports groups. Construction is estimated to cost between $100- and $110 million.

“We look forward to receiving Council’s decision,” SSE said in a statement released Friday. “We stand ready to work diligently with staff and the community to ensure the success of this game- changing community development.”

If the staff recommendation passes as proposed, HRM would not pay to own, operate or maintain the building, would not provide a loan guarantee to SSE and would not share in any ticket surcharge revenue generated. Nor would there be tax increment financing involved in the project.

The $20-million, one-time contribution was actually part of SSE’S original funding proposal in August and a source called the recommendation “good news” for SSE.