June, Halifax Forum Redevelopment

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1 June, 2014 Halifax Forum Redevelopment

2 History of the Halifax Forum Built in 1927, the Halifax Forum is a significant piece of our city s sports and recreational heritage and will serve as the cornerstone of the proposed redevelopment; restoring it as the city s foremost recreational facility combining event space, multiple ice pads, bingo, health and wellness, with a rejuvenated site. The architect, Andrew Cobb ( ), designed the large brick building using Georgian inspired styling. Cobb studied at Acadia University, the School of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and in France at Ecole des Beaux Art. He was a prolific designer of churches, university buildings, hospitals, and industrial buildings throughout Nova Scotia. His notable Halifax projects include: Neptune Theatre (1915) Roy Building (1915) Provincial Archives Building (1929) Bank of Nova Scotia ( ) Provincial Building (1935) Dalhousie University Science Building ( ) Shirreff Hall Dormitory (1920) Arts Building ( ) Medical Science Laboratory ( ) Public Health Centre ( ) King s College Main building and Chapel (1928) Dormitory (1931) For several decades the Forum was a popular venue for sports, recreation, commerce, and entertainment. Prize fighters, horse racing, stars of skating and hockey, famous music acts, and countless other events and visits by historical figures have occurred at this facility. Through the late 70 s and 80 s, many large acts and the professional franchise were lost to the newly established Halifax Metro Centre. In a battle for survival, Forum management moved their focus to hosting smaller community service events. The original property was redeveloped and the Multi Purpose Centre was added in 1988, the Annex Arena was replaced by the Civic Centre in 1995 and Maritime Hall & Bingo Gaming Centre replaced the old Annex building in The current Forum is a multi functional facility, capable of operating with little to no subsidy from HRM and the community Elements of the original Forum design include low pitch roof, central doors on each wall, balanced proportion, white granite perimeter string course, wood, brick and concrete construction, and fanlight and arched windows. The building has sustained significant additions and alterations since its 1920 s construction, leaving some windows bricked over, and the overall character of the structure diminished. Halifax Forum Civic Centre Multi Purpose Centre Maritime Hall & Bingo Gaming Centre The Forum building has a 16,000 ft 2 arena floor, and 5,500 ft 2 of concourse area. Seating capacity is 4,610 with 1,250 additional seats during nonice events. Recently renovated aspects include 8 dressing rooms, new ice deck, HVAC, security, concourse flooring, and a new stage. This multi purpose building has a 16,000 ft 2 arena floor plus 1,000 ft 2 of concourse area. Seating capacity is 850 with 1,250 additional seats during non ice events. Other spaces include 6 dressing rooms, meeting rooms, and connection to the Forum and Multi Purpose Centre buildings. Various floor arrangements can be achieved in this 18,000 ft 2 of flexible space. A built in bar and canteen support year round events such as banquets, dances, and trade shows. Maritime Hall is a 4,500 ft 2 space often used for conferences, receptions, retail sales, community meetings, and exhibitions. The Bingo Gaming Centre is a 14,000 ft 2 modern gaming centre typically set with tables and seating for 500 to host bingo games. If used for large group meetings, the stage, 2 projectors and 10 screens are available. 10

3 The Halifax Forum Community Association has submitted a full and comprehensive proposal for the redevelopment of the Halifax Forum 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 multi 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 Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum Community Association at Yours very truly, George C. Findlay, Chairman Halifax Forum Community Association

4 AERIAL VIEW ACROSS RENOVATED FORUM

5 Embrace Our Heritage - Moving Forward The proposal by the Halifax Forum Community Association is based on keeping the blue print of the historic Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum is a strong one and is undoubtedly the best reason to proceed. Even without that strong economic incentive, the heritage of the Halifax Forum is something that its citizens should embrace and be proud of. With an attendance capacity of over 4,500, the Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum is one of the greatest arenas in Canada -- iihf.com, May 2008 More than a Rink - A Community Facility The Halifax Forum has been identified merely as an Ice Arena in the review of the HRM staff in the Long Term Arena Strategy report, however, the Halifax Forum is clearly more than a rink. For over 85 years the Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum 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, indoor walking track, community open area etc. With the current and projected development of residential projects in the surrounding neighbourhoods, the Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum Proposal - Accessible and Economically Viable During the past 25 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 multi-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 Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum's proposal contains less risk as most of the revenue streams are currently in place at the forum (less speculative projections). - The 3-pad Halifax Forum proposal combined with other Forum revenue streams will generate almost $1 million more than a four pad arena. - The CFB 4- pad proposal have only 3 pads which will be available for the public, as their proposal states that one surface will be for exclusive use by the armed forces.

8 Halifax Forum AERIAL VIEW ACROSS RENOVATED FORUM

9 Let Your Voice Be Heard The Board of the Halifax Forum 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 Halifax Forum 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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