Ontario Construction News staff writer
As the City of Brantford prepares to welcome the Brantford Bulldogs to the newly renovated Brantford Civic Centre, officials say they are looking for ways to become a premier destination for sports and entertainment.
Earlier this year, Brantford City Council approved a notice of motion for staff to develop a comprehensive plan that includes recommended locations, cost estimates encompassing both capital and operating expenses, a financing strategy and timelines for a new state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility in the city.
At a committee of the whole meeting Sept. 7, council received a report by Consultant KKR Advisors Ltd. outlining a comprehensive business case assessment for a potential sports and entertainment facility. The assessment includes a market overview, a comparative analysis of Ontario Hockey League (OHL) locations, evaluation of building costs and features, and an evaluation of prospective building operations.
Report highlights:
- Brantford is poised for sustained growth and expansion with a significant increase in population, household income, and economic base. It is noteworthy that average household income has increased faster in Brantford than in any other Ontario OHL city since 2000.
- In comparison to other Ontario-based OHL cities, Brantford is expected to become the 11th largest OHL city by population by 2046.
- Brantford currently ranks eighth in median household income among OHL cities.
- Brantford has seen significant year over year growth in the number of businesses, total employment, and the total value of building permits issued in the city.
The report suggests that an optimal sports and entertainment facility for Brantford would have 5,000 to 5,300 fixed seats, with a projected cost range of $115 million to $140 million (excluding land costs, parking, infrastructure improvements, and site development costs). Also highlighted in the consultant’s presentation to members of Council was that even with the significant improvements currently being done to the Civic Centre, it will not keep an OHL team here longterm.
“The growth Brantford has been experiencing is a critical factor in making us a feasible and attractive city for an OHL team,” said Mayor Davis. “They want to locate in growing, not static growth cities.
“This venue will benefit our residents and draw visitors from other areas, elevating our city’s recognition on a provincial and national scale while fostering civic pride.”
Next steps include recommendations related to potential locations as well as initial architectural renditions of what the venue will look like that are expected to be shared with Council in mid October.
Public engagement to collect community input will follow in early 2024.