Maritime CFL expansion proposes Halifax-area stadium at Shannon Park

CFL group wants to build stadium in Dartmouth They are also asking for government help to build it. Allan April reports.

HALIFAX -- The company hoping to bring a CFL team to Halifax has proposed Shannon Park, along the east side of the city's harbour, as the site for a 24,000-seat stadium.

The proposal from Maritime Football Ltd. estimates construction costs between $170 million and $190 million, with the municipal and provincial governments expected to pitch in.

The company is in talks with Canada Lands Company CLC Ltd. to purchase eight hectares for a stadium that could play host to football games, concerts and other public events.

The proposal is on the agenda for the Oct. 30 regional council meeting.

Maritime Football's report also recommends making amendments to Halifax's charter to allow for a tax agreement for the stadium, discussing debt financing possibilities with the province and preparing a review for council that would recommend whether city should sign on as a financial partner.

That review, the report says, must include evaluations of the risks, benefits and economic impacts, as well as looking into other partnerships.

On Tuesday, council is expected to decide whether the region's chief administrative officer should prepare a business case analysis, which would help determine if the region should provide funding.

Maritime Football says the province's participation as a funding partner is "essential."

The report suggests increasing the hotel marketing levy or developing a car rental tax as possible revenue streams.

Meanwhile, the Millbrook First Nation is also in the process of acquiring a portion of Shannon Park.

The report says the Indigenous group's plans remain unclear.

"They may welcome or raise significant concerns with the potential development of a stadium next to their lands," the report says.

Maritime Football Ltd. said it is in the "final stages" of negotiating a "conditional expansion franchise" for the city.

The company is planning a season ticket drive as early as November, though it will be several years before the proposed stadium is ready for use.