News Release
Regional Council Approves a Stadium Analysis Phase 2 Study
(August 9, 2011) - Halifax Regional Council has approved moving forward with the Stadium Analysis Phase 2. This will include site selection and preliminary design for a potential stadium. The decision also grants approval in principle for the recommendations outlined in Stadium Steering Committee’s final report, and approves an increase to the project budget of $275,000 for the Phase 2 work.
The Phase 1 report, submitted by the Steering Committee, explores the need and financial viability of the construction and ongoing operation of a stadium, with the minimum requirement to meet the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 tournament. Key consideration was given for future sport tourism, major event hosting, community usage and access to the facility.
The report comes as a result of direction given by Council on February 8, 2011, for staff to proceed with a process to determine whether or not there is viability for the development of a multi-use stadium in the municipality.
Mayor Peter Kelly thanked the Steering Committee for its work and expressed anticipation for Phase 2 findings.
“A stadium for HRM has been discussed for more than 20 years,” said Mayor Kelly. “A Phase 2 study will once and for all provide a thorough and objective review of the business case for a multi-use stadium that will best serve the needs of our community.”
The Stadium Analysis Steering Committee was selected in March 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 FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 minimum standards, and serve as the public face of the project for the community.
The Steering Committee has 13 members. Council representatives include Mayor Kelly, Councillor Dawn Sloane (Halifax Downtown) and Councillor Darren Fisher (East Dartmouth - The Lakes). In addition to committee chair Kim Mason, there are five other citizen positions. The committee also includes one representative from each of Sport Nova Scotia, Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic, the Department of Health and Wellness and the Department of Urban and Rural Economic Development and Tourism.
To view the reports and presentations, visit www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/110809cowAgenda.html.
For more information on the stadium analysis, visit www.halifax.ca/stadium.
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010
