June, Halifax Forum Redevelopment

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1 June, 2014 Redevelopment

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3 The Community Association has submitted a full and comprehensive proposal for the redevelopment of the in relation to the Long Term Arena Strategy Plan. The redevelopment proposal will add an additional arena housing a regulation ice pad. It also includes renovating the Forum and Civic ice pads to regulation size as well as offering many additional facilities including a community gymnasium. The redevelopment of the Forum will extend the life of this historic venue for many years to come. Unfortunately, HRM Staff recently released a report recommending construction of a 4 Pad Arena on property owned by CFB Halifax, resulting in closure of 4 arenas, including the Historic Forum and all its amenities. For more information on this report please go to the following link: The Community Association has an impressive track record in developing additional facilities to the Forum (Multi Purpose Centre 1998, Civic Centre 1995 and the Bingo Centre and Maritime Hall in 2003). We are dedicated to seeing our new plan for this historic Halifax building become a reality and ask for your support. The following is an overview of the Forum s redevelopment proposal and why it should be approved by Halifax Council. You can show your support by contacting the Mayor s office and your local councillors to express your concerns regarding the suggested closure of the Forum and to express your support for the Forum s redevelopment. A list of these officials is included for your reference. If you have any questions please don t hesitate to contact any member of the Community Association at Yours very truly, George C. Findlay, Chairman Community Association

4 AERIAL VIEW ACROSS RENOVATED FORUM

5 Embrace Our Heritage - Moving Forward The proposal by the Community Association is based on keeping the blue print of the historic while transforming the complex into a modern day multi- rink / multi- facility / multi- purposed hub of community activity. Heritage is one of Halifax s strengths -- Mayor Michael Savage The economic case to revitalize the is a strong one and is undoubtedly the best reason to proceed. Even without that strong economic incentive, the heritage of the is something that its citizens should embrace and be proud of. With an attendance capacity of over 4,500, the is believed to be the oldest arena in the world of its size still in operation. It is recognized as having hosted the first ice hockey game on artificial ice east of Montreal. The fabulous is one of the greatest arenas in Canada -- iihf.com, May 2008 More than a Rink - A Community Facility The has been identified merely as an Ice Arena in the review of the HRM staff in the Long Term Arena Strategy report, however, the is clearly more than a rink. For over 85 years the has been providing the citizens of Halifax with a wide variety of recreational activities. There is so much more to the Forum than hockey sticks and skates. During the fiscal year of it is estimated that more than 400,000 people attended non-ice related events. The redevelopment proposal builds on the community facility combining traditional ice events, with innovative related programming such as synthetic ice, hockey training centre, community facilities, a gymnasium, meeting space, community open area etc. With the current and projected development of residential projects in the surrounding neighbourhoods, the Complex is positioned to continue the role of being a significant piece in the delivery of recreational and community activities to the citizens of Halifax. In addition to the renovated capturing the historical significance of this Halifax Landmark the proposal will establish: - 3 NHL size hockey surfaces - a new multipurpose sport and community facility providing a wide range of activities including meeting rooms, event facilities, community events and trade events - a community gymnasium which will offer a home to activities such as Ball Hockey, Roller Derby, Badminton etc.

6 AERIAL VIEW ACROSS NEW CIVIC CENTRE LANDSCAPE

7 The Proposal - Accessible and Economically Viable During the past 20 years the Multi Purpose Centre, the Civic Arena, a Bingo Centre and the Maritime Hall have been added to the Forum Complex. Additionally, the Forum has been upgraded with; a new refrigeration plant, heating system, along with dehumidifying system upgrades to electrical and fire alarm systems, all new washrooms, plus many other amenities to make the facility more comfortable and safe for the patrons. The Forum Board has practiced fiscal responsibility and has shown a surplus over the past number of years. Ice rental fees at the Forum have been kept to the absolute minimum in the interest of keeping costs for Minor Hockey, Ringette, Figure Skating, Old Timers, etc., as low as possible. Just as a sample, listed below are comparative rental rates for HRM Arenas: Hourly Rates Prime Time Youth BMO 4 Pad $ 270 $218 Dartmouth Sportsplex $ 225 $225 Sackville Sports Stadium $ 225 $225 St. Margaret s $ 225 $220 Forum & Civic $215 $190 The proposed 4-pad arena cannot and should not be compared with the programs, services, and economic efficiency that can be offered in a multi-use facility. - The proposal is based on continuing to promote accessibility with no sizable ice rental rate increases. - The existing 4-Pad ice rental rates are 25% higher than the Forum's rates. - The is multi-use facility with revenue coming from various operations (only 32% of projected revenue coming from ice related) while over 90% of a 4-pad revenue is ice related. - From an economic perspective the 's proposal contains less risk as most of the revenue streams are currently in place at the forum (less speculative projections). - The 3-pad proposal combined with other Forum revenue streams will generate almost $1 million more than a four pad arena - With the CFB 4 pad proposal only 3 pads will be available for the public, since the CFB proposal states that one surface will be for exclusive use by the armed forces.

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9 Let Your Voice Be Heard The Board of the Community Association encourages you to voice your concern in regards to City s Staff recommendation to demolish the Halifax Forum and offer your support for the Redevelopment proposal. A list of contact information for City Council is provided below: Council Mayor Mike Savage mayor@halifax.ca Councilor Barry Dalrymple Waverley-Fall River-Musquodoboit Valley barry.dalrymple@halifax.ca Councilor David Hendsbee Preston--Chezzetcook--Eastern Shore david.hendsbee@halifax.ca Councilor Bill Karsten Dartmouth South - Eastern Passage bill.karsten@halifax.ca Councilor Lorelei Nicoll Cole Harbour -- Westphal lorelei.nocoll@halifax.ca Councilor Gloria McCluskey Dartmouth Centre gloria.mccluskey@halifax.ca Deputy Mayor Darren Fisher Harbourview - Burnside - Dartmouth East darren.fisher@halifax.ca Councilor Wayne Mason Peninsula South Downtown waye.mason@halifax.ca Councilor Jennifer Watts Halifax Peninsula North jennifer.watts@halifax.ca Councilor Linda Mosher Halifax West Armdale linda.mosher@halifax.ca Councilor Russell Walker Halifax - Bedford Basin West russell.walker@halifax.ca Councilor Stephen Adams Spryfield - Sambro Loop- Prospect Road stephen.adams@halifax.ca Councilor Reg Rankin Timberlea-Beechville-Clayton Park West reg.rankin@halifax.ca Councilor Matt Whitman Hammonds Plains- St. Margarets matt.whitman@halifax.ca Councilor Brad Johns Middle/Upper Sackville - Beaver Bank brad.johns@halifax.ca Councilor Steve Craig Lower Sackville steve.craig@halifax.ca Councilor Tim Outhit Bedford -- Wentworth tim.outhit@halifax.ca

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