Brantford city councillors endorse new sports entertainment centre proposal

Some exciting news out of Brantford this week as the Bulldogs, who have consistently packed the Civic Centre for home games since the OHL returned to the Telephone City at the start of last season, are one step closer to a new home.

Brantford city councillors, at a special committee meeting this past Tuesday, recommended for approval a financial plan to build a new arena and event centre. The recommendation was unanimous and will go before city council for approval on October 29th.

“Tonight’s council decision to move forward with a new sport/entertainment centre confirms that bringing our OHL Bulldogs here was the right decision,” owner and governor Michael Andlauer told Expositor Sports Editor Brian Smiley following a special city council committee meeting on Tuesday. “We look forward to the next steps to build a new opportunity for the City of Brantford and the community.”

The proposed $140 million project would spearhead plans in Brantford for a new entertainment district in the lower downtown area. The Brantford Civic Centre was constructed in 1967 and was home to the Brantford Alexanders, a previous OHL franchise that operated from 1978-84 and over a series of relocations, function as the Erie Otters today.

“We haven’t felt good about ourselves since the 1980s when everything kind of went sideways on us,” Brantford councillor John Sless told The Brantford Expositor. He added that Bulldogs players are “fine gentlemen” and excellent role models who visit local schools speaking to students.

Playing out of what has been coined “the Madhouse on Market,” the Bulldogs have been a presence in the community and also a success on the ice, developing NHL prospects in Chicago Blackhawks draftees Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker, Washington Capitals prospect Patrick Thomas, Montreal Canadiens selection Owen Protz and New Jersey Devils choice Cole Brown. The club recently acquired Buffalo Sabres NHL Draft pick Ryerson Leenders in the crease, and comes off a 5-1 win over the Sarnia Sting on Wednesday as they hit the road for Ottawa and Kingston this weekend.

Brantford city councillor Linda Hunt noted one of the big positives of this new proposal is that it does not entail the tax-payer footing the bill.

“I think we’ve outlined that the taxpayer will not be paying for the sports and entertainment centre,” Hunt told the Expositor’s Vincent Ball. “And that’s probably one of the most crucial tipping points when I’ve been talking to people is that it will not affect their property tax bill.

“The taxpayer is not funding the sports and entertainment centre.”

Brantford resident Matt Allman provided his thoughts, chiming in as an enthusiastic supporter.

“I see this an investment,” Allman said. “It’s Brantford telling its citizens and businesses ‘get ready, we’re growing up.’”

For the full story, visit brantfordexpositor.ca.