Brantford, a city in Ontario, is facing a crucial decision regarding the future of its beloved Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, the Bulldogs. According to Mayor Kevin Davis, the city will likely need a private partner to help fund the construction of a new arena in order to keep the Bulldogs in Brantford.
The Bulldogs have been a source of pride for the city since their arrival in 2007. However, their current home, the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, is not up to OHL standards and has been deemed inadequate by the league. This has put the team’s future in Brantford in jeopardy.
Mayor Davis has been vocal about his desire to keep the Bulldogs in the city, stating that they are an important part of the community and bring economic benefits to the area. However, he also acknowledges that the city cannot bear the financial burden of building a new arena on its own.
In a recent interview, Mayor Davis stated, “We need a private partner to help us build a new arena that meets OHL standards. This is not something the city can do alone.” He also mentioned that the city has been in talks with potential partners, but nothing has been finalized yet.
The need for a private partner is not unique to Brantford. Many cities across Canada have turned to private partnerships to fund major projects, such as sports arenas. These partnerships allow for the sharing of costs and risks, making it a more feasible option for cities.
While some may argue that the city should solely fund the arena in order to keep the Bulldogs, Mayor Davis believes that a private partnership is the best solution. He stated, “We want to ensure that the city’s taxpayers are not burdened with the entire cost of the arena. A private partner would help share the costs and ensure that the burden is not solely on the city.”
The future of the Bulldogs in Brantford is uncertain, but Mayor Davis remains optimistic. He believes that with the help of a private partner, a new arena can be built and the Bulldogs can continue to call Brantford their home. The city will continue to work towards finding a suitable partner and securing the future of the team in Brantford.
