The transit garage on Townsend Street, at the southern edge of downtown, is the city’s proposed location for a new arena. (Photo by Gabe Pollock) Last Monday, city council made a significant announcement as it kicked off municipal election season: they committed $57 million towards building a new arena and event space to replace Peterborough’s old Memorial Centre, which has served the community since 1956. If completed, this project could cost around $170 million, making it one of the largest capital undertakings in the city’s history. Mayor Jeff Leal supported this initiative with equally strong statements. At a press conference featuring a podium that read ‘VISION 2096,’ Mayor Leal said, “We need to think about the next 70 years of Peterborough. This is a generational opportunity for our community.” However, looking more closely at staff and consultant reports that informed this decision shows there are still many uncertainties regarding how the project will be financed. Additionally, examining what council actually approved last Monday indicates a much less decisive move forward than it may initially seem.
What did council approve?
The concept of replacing the Peterborough Memorial Centre has been discussed since at least 2018, with multiple reports and consultations taking place over time. The motion passed last Monday marks another step in this process by “pre-committing” $57 million toward the endeavor-about one-third of its total expected cost. Essentially, this means that while council intends to spend $57 million, whether they actually do will depend on securing funding for the remaining two-thirds. Council’s motion instructs staff to look into potential funding sources like “the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Peterborough, private sector partners, fundraising efforts, naming rights and sponsorship opportunities,” along with other non-debt options. Staff will then report back so council can decide how to proceed. As Coun. Matt Crowley clarified on social media, “Either staff will come back with confirmed outside funding and a proposed plan for how the City’s share could be raised or they will return stating that funding couldn’t be secured and ask Council what it wants to do next.” It’s also important to consider when this announcement was made-right at the start of election season. While current council members might fully support the arena project now, elections are set for October 26. A new council will take over responsibilities like reviewing staff reports and deciding on budget allocations for 2027; they’ll ultimately determine what happens with these pre-committed funds. Finally, if that $57 million hinges on finding partners willing to contribute at least $113 million toward costs-a point highlighted in Sierra Planning and Management’s report-then it’s clear that achieving this goal is far from guaranteed.Who’s going to pay for it?
The Sierra report outlines various potential funding avenues along with their likelihood of success. The first-and riskiest-option would involve financing the entire new arena through city debt. To cover a $170-million facility would mean almost $10 million in annual loan payments over three decades. This scenario would necessitate increasing Peterborough’s allowable debt limit all the way up to its legal cap while taking out maximum loans-an expensive approach that could hinder other major projects or future financial flexibility due to increased obligations. Other local-only financing options like selling city assets or tapping into reserve funds pose significant risks as well regarding long-term financial stability. It’s crucial to identify alternative sources of funding. During discussions at council meetings, Mayor Leal mentioned his conversations with MP Emma Harrison and MPP Dave Smith about potential federal or provincial assistance; he also hinted at talks with an unnamed “major equity partner” showing interest in collaborating on this initiative. Nonetheless, Sierra’s report indicates such projects often face exclusion from federal funding opportunities. Out of 16 recently built arenas across Canada surveyed in their report only one-the Avenir Centre in Moncton-received any federal support whatsoever. Eight out of those sixteen received some level of backing from provincial governments; however most Ontario-based projects didn’t see similar help-and provincial support tends more towards loans or forgivable loans rather than large grants according to their findings. “Barring other grant opportunities that arise or special circumstance applications by Province concerning project funding,” concludes Sierra’s report,“the City should consider upper-level government grants as unlikely.” After council’s motion was passed, M. P. P. Dave Smith told The that Peterborough has likely missed immediate chances for applying for provincial funds and upcoming grant programs suitable for covering such initiatives don’t appear imminent either. On another note though, the likelihood increases considerably when turning towards private-sector involvement. Most substantial arena projects tend heavily rely upon private investment, whether strictly through naming rights alone. Public-private partnerships can vary widely depending upon specific needs but generally entail a private entity assuming part-or all-of costs associated with design, built maintenance, and/or operations related aspects involved within facilities development.This arrangement lightens some financial burdens from municipalities yet concurrently implies sharing profits generated through these new venues too leaving lesser amounts available solely under direct control by cities themselves.
The final consideration covered revolves around possible effects seen surrounding areas adjacent where venue construction takes place. A planned site located close south end downtown along Townsend street currently holds transit garages owned by city itself. And reason why chosen relates directly because low-density commercial/residential environments presently exist nearby thereby creating favorable conditions encouraging future increases property values alongside driving further developments post-opening events happen successfully herein.
Surrounding areas near transit garage might witness considerable growth following arrival new arena.(Image courtesy Google Maps.)The Sierra assessment anticipates property assessments likely tripling right around venue locations resulting ultimately higher tax revenues generated leading benefit realization come later stage down line-but these outcomes won’t manifest until roughly ten years post-construction completion allowing ample time required before neighboring developments kick-off truly underway meaning upfront costs remain uncovered during initial phase launches altogether until then too !
Talks regarding potential groundbreaking aim set tentatively targeting mid -2027 timeframe aim get pucks sliding onto ice seasonal displays ready showcase patrons attend facilities established year thereafter starting finale events unfold eventually-but given ongoing uncertainties around needed finances plus unknown intentions next councils emerge there’s still plenty left accomplish ahead before actual games commence playing here!
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