City and arena owners looking at partnership deal

Gateway Ice Centre in Stoney Creek could be offered for sale

The city and the owners of the Gateway Ice Centre are looking at a new way to operate the three-pad ice complex.

Gateway has agreed to participate in a feasibility study that could determine if Hamilton will buy the 130,000-square-foot facility.

“The owners of Gateway have advised the city that they are prepared to offer the arena for sale if it benefits both parties,” said Tony Tollis, a former city treasurer who is now a consultant for the owners of Gateway.

As Hamilton looks to repair or even replace the aging Saltfleet and Stoney Creek arenas, an alternative, said Coun. Tom Jackson, could be establishing a public-private partnership with the Gateway owners.

He said the city could follow the model that was used for the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre that has been operated in partnership with the city and Nustadia Recreation.

About 11 years ago Hamilton put up $12 million for the building of the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre. Nustadia agreed to pay back the funding as it operated the facility with an interest rate of 5.25 per cent over 20 years once it opened in 2005.

Jackson said his proposed motion, which is scheduled to be presented to the emergency and community services committee later this month, to conduct a feasibility study on how an agreement between the city and Gateway Ice Centre could work is an attempt to explore the idea.

Part of the feasibility study’s parameters will be to examine the need for a fourth ice pad, a proposal the Gateway owners have in the past suggested was a goal.

Tollis said there are no plans to build that fourth ice pad, but there is the property to construct another pad.

He said if the feasibility study proves beneficial for the city and owners, current staffing levels at the arena will be maintained. Contracts with the other businesses in the centre, including Don Cherry’s Sports Grill on the second floor, will be honoured.

The $25-million Gateway arena opened in 2013.

The centre has hosted the 2014 Esso Cup, and is the home to the Stoney Creek Generals of the Allan Cup Hockey League, a senior AAA level of men’s hockey.

The Stoney Creek Girls’ Hockey Association has also been using the facility for its AA and Jr. A teams.