NEWS RELEASE
Stadium Analysis Consultations Underway, Open Houses Coming Up
(Friday, May 20, 2011) - Public consultations will begin shortly to help determine if there is a viable business case for a stadium in Halifax Regional Municipality.
Open house sessions with the general public and consultations with key stakeholders are being led by Sierra Planning and Management, the consultants hired to help the Council-appointed Stadium Analysis Steering Committee during Phase 1 of the stadium consideration.
The citizen-based Steering Committee is meeting regularly and working closely with Sierra Planning throughout this first phase. Phase 1 includes a business planning and feasibility analysis, incorporating input from citizens, sports and recreation groups and potential partners.
“We are thoroughly committed to the job we have undertaken and intend to bring forward the best possible information about the potential for a stadium in our region,” said Steering Committee Chair Kim Mason. “It will be crucial to speak with individuals who can help us fully understand the opportunities a stadium presents for our community.”
A report and recommendation from the Steering Committee will go to Regional Council this summer at which time Council will determine if the municipality will move on to Phase 2: Site selection, building program, design and more detailed facility costing. Public consultation would also be included as part of Phase 2. Phase 3, the construction phase, would only proceed with Council’s further approval.
The Steering Committee is working to timelines provided by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) which is currently preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015. The CSA plans to choose a minimum of six cities to host a coast to coast soccer championship. A stadium would need to be built to a minimum FIFA standard should Halifax be chosen as a site.
The upcoming Open House dates and times are as follows:
June 6, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Maritime Hall at the Halifax Forum, 2901 Windsor St., Halifax
June 8, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cole Harbour Place, 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour
June 9, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Lion’s Den, LeBrun Recreation Centre
36 Holland Dr., Bedford
To learn more about the stadium considerations or share your views please visit Halifax.ca/stadium or visit Halifax Stadium on Facebook or follow Halifax Stadium on Twitter.
30
Contact:
Shaune MacKinlay
Manager, Public Affairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-6531
