A task force recommended in December the development of a 5,000-seat multi-use sports and entertainment centre in Charlottetown, but there was no mention of it in either Charlottetown’s capital and operational budgets.
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“There wasn’t and, quite honestly, what council has decided to do with the report from the task force is to have some of our staff (talk with) with other levels of government, other possible funding partners and to come back to council with some information,’’ Mayor Clifford Lee said Wednesday after Coun. Melissa Hilton, chairwoman of the finance committee, delivered the annual budget address.
The information the mayor talks about points to those who might be interested in partnering in an arena project and who is able to bring forward the money necessary to build and operate it.
The cost of building the facility is estimated between $74 million and $81 million with an additional $2 million for 500 parking spaces. Development of the centre would require funding from all levels of government and probably community fundraising. Extra funding will likely be available through the 2023 Canada Games, which P.E.I. is hosting.
Once the funding questions are answered, the city will be able to determine whether this is a project it’s prepared to move forward on.
Lee said work on a new arena certainly isn’t likely to start this year, but progress could still be made.
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“It’s really difficult to say, to be honest. I do know our staff people are having meetings with outside agencies but will construction begin this year? Likely not. Will council make a decision this year? Possibly, but I’m not going to commit to that.’’
He also noted that the reality is with a municipal election coming in November, incumbent politicians aren’t going to want to make any long-term commitments that will tie the hands of future councils.
Still, a new arena could become an election issue.
“I expect it will very well be an election issue where candidates say, ‘I’m in favour of moving forward on this project’ and some will no doubt say they’re against it. I expect a multi-use facility will become an election issue during the campaign and that candidates will take positions. Citizens will make the decision.’’
Hilton said it’s still early in the process.
“We’re at the early stages and talking to stakeholders and shareholders and partners and possible funding partners to, hopefully, see a new events centre built here in the city,’’ the finance chairwoman said.
