The first phase of the $50 million renovation project at the Tribute Communities Centre is set to kick off later this year. The City of Oshawa plans to request the Region of Durham to issue $20 million in debentures to fund it.
A year ago, shortly after a private session at the Oshawa council where the owner of the historic Oshawa Generals hockey team hinted he might leave if certain concessions weren’t met, both parties reached an agreement on a new 30-year partnership. This deal includes a promise from the city to invest $50 million into modernizing the Tribute Centre.
This agreement also involves commitments from the team, with designs for improvements in various club areas revealed earlier this year. Additionally, there will be a new “prime location” for the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame, which had been a contentious point in earlier negotiations between Oshawa and Generals’ owner Rocco Tullio.
Tullio, who has owned the team for 17 years, described the 30-year lease extension as a “powerful partnership that secures the future of hockey in this community for generations to come.”
The landmark agreement among the hockey team, city officials, and Oak View Group-who has managed the city-owned Tribute Centre since 2008-ensures that the Oshawa Generals will remain based in Oshawa for another thirty years. Oak View Group is also renewing its management and food service contract for 30 years and investing $1 million into facility upgrades including a modernized concession area.
The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame will be moved to a new spot right outside the arena, offering “24/7 exposure” to its displays and raising awareness about local sports achievements.
Deke and former Generals goalie Jacob Oster. Photo Ian Goodall
<p The renovation plan includes expanding the main entrance, enhancing fan experiences, updating interiors, adding seating for at least 7,000 people, and refreshing concession areas. These upgrades will prepare the facility to host events like a Memorial Cup while improving player amenities to attract top talent. The renovations will help Oak View Group market better and draw more sports events and performances by providing an upgraded experience.
The city has already put substantial resources into upgrading at Tribute over recent years. This includes spending $1 million on a new scoreboard along with enhancements to player facilities like a new weight room and medical facilities as well as an NHL-caliber players’ lounge.
The $50 million modernization won’t change tax rates but will be financed through several sources such as agreements with both Oshawa Generals and Oak View Group along with Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue and additional seat income. Construction is expected to occur in phases over several years starting soon so it minimally disrupts games for both Generals and other teams like Oshawa Fire Wolves lacrosse or concerts.
Durham Region intends to issue debentures by spring 2026.
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Deke and former Generals goalie Jacob Oster. Photo Ian Goodall
<p The renovation plan includes expanding the main entrance, enhancing fan experiences, updating interiors, adding seating for at least 7,000 people, and refreshing concession areas. These upgrades will prepare the facility to host events like a Memorial Cup while improving player amenities to attract top talent. The renovations will help Oak View Group market better and draw more sports events and performances by providing an upgraded experience.
The city has already put substantial resources into upgrading at Tribute over recent years. This includes spending $1 million on a new scoreboard along with enhancements to player facilities like a new weight room and medical facilities as well as an NHL-caliber players’ lounge.
The $50 million modernization won’t change tax rates but will be financed through several sources such as agreements with both Oshawa Generals and Oak View Group along with Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue and additional seat income. Construction is expected to occur in phases over several years starting soon so it minimally disrupts games for both Generals and other teams like Oshawa Fire Wolves lacrosse or concerts.
Durham Region intends to issue debentures by spring 2026.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 34,469 Votes
All Time: 1,264,963 Votes
1741 VOTES
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