Colts to sign new long-term deal with City of Barrie

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Barrie Colts cement place in city for years to come

Alex Nuttall discusses new 15-year lease with Barrie Colts

As the Barrie Colts are in playoff action, working to bring a championship win to the City, the team is cementing its place in Barrie for years to come.

CTV News has learned that on Saturday the Barrie Colts and the City of Barrie are singing a new 15-year lease agreement to keep the OHL franchise in the City and playing at the Sadlon Arena for well over another decade.

“We’re really excited that we’ve been able to achieve it, to get it done for the people of Barrie and also for the Barrie Colts organization,” said Alex Nuttall, mayor of Barrie. “Everyone rallies around the Colts each and every year. So to have them stay here for 15 more years and to really deliver that entertainment, that family fun over at Sadlon Arena, it’s a pretty special day, and we’re very excited to move forward.”

As part of the agreement, the Barrie Colts will contribute $8-million dollars to the ongoing operating costs of the Sadlon Arena, which opened in 1996. The team has also agreed to invest over $1.5 million in improvements to the arena. This is in addition to the funds that the Colts have already invested into their home rink.

The future of the Sadlon Arena has been a topic of discussion at City Hall for many years. A report presented to councillors in 2023 outlined six different options to renovate and expand the south-end arena, ranging in costs from just over $12 million to nearly $41 million.

The Barrie Colts have agreed to contribute to the capital costs, should the City of Barrie choose to expand the arena at any point during the agreement.

“We’re at 4,200 seats. If we can get up to 6,000, then we’re in the running,” said Howie Campbell, Colts president and owner, about the possibility of eventually hosting a Memorial Cup. “We need more dressing rooms, media rooms and stuff like that to host, but it’s not out of the question.”

The report that Tourism Barrie brought to council from a consulting firm has recommendations including additional seats, modern concessions and an open grand entrance on the building’s north side.

According to the City, the Barrie Colts’ direct economic impact is approximately $43 million.

The new agreement also has many charitable components as well, including contributing $2 million to local charities through the team’s foundation. Over the years it has contributed millions to more than two dozen local charities including various food banks and healthcare initiatives.

With a long relationship with the local school system through its Adopt a School program, the team has also agreed to contribute more than $1.5 million dollars to local schools and another $2 million in costs for post-secondary education for its players.