News Release (Corrected version)

HRM Awards Stadium Consultation to Sierra Planning and Management

(Friday, April 8, 2011) - HRM has chosen Sierra Planning and Management to do the analysis on a feasibility study for a new stadium in HRM. The Toronto firm is teaming up with CBCL Limited of Halifax and Novita Interpares of Lunenburg on the consultation and business planning process for the potential facility.

HRM is currently one of seven possible host cities in Canada’s bid to host the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup. Under the bid requirement, host cities are to have an outdoor sport venue with a minimum seating capacity of 20,000, which could include a mix of temporary and permanent seating.

The analysis will include business planning, operating and ownership models, funding strategies and more. Key stakeholder, user group and public consultation are an important aspect of the planning process. Regional Council will then determine whether or not there is a solid business case for the construction and operation of a sport stadium in the municipality.

In March, Council completed the selection process for the HRM Stadium Business Planning and Analysis Steering Committee. The Committee’s role is to provide advice and direction to a staff technical team; develop and make recommendations to Council on a stadium business plan, operational plan, site selection, ownership model, facility design and construction methodology relative to achieving the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup minimum standards; and serve as the public face of the project from a communications’ perspective in the community.

For more information, please visit:
Stadium Analysis: http://www.halifax.ca/facilities/StadiumAnalysis.html
Full Project Information: http://www.halifax.ca/stadium/index.html

Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010