Let's talk about a Sports Entertainment Centre

Thank you to everyone who provided their input to shape the vision for a proposed new Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC).

Brantford City Council unanimously approved the staff report presented at a Special City Council Meeting on January 23, 2024. This means that staff have been directed to move forward with the next steps of the development of the Brantford Sports and Entertainment Centre project. At the meeting, staff shared a summary of the public consultation findings and an outline of financing, partnership assessments and potential funding structures for the new building. The meeting is available to watch on YouTube.

Benefits to Local Economy and Downtown Revitalization

The approval follows a series of steps by the City, starting with the relocation of the OHL team, the Brantford Bulldogs, to the Civic Centre. Since then, the City has witnessed a surge in civic pride, downtown development, and economic growth. The proposed Sports and Entertainment Centre, strategically located at 79 Market Street South, is expected to be a catalyst for further economic development, with a projected total direct economic impact of $7.6 million GDP annually.

Throughout the decision-making process, the City has prioritized collaboration and engagement, seeking feedback from the community through various channels. The recent community engagement campaign conducted in December 2023 saw overwhelming support for the project, with approximately 80.7% of respondents expressing a positive outlook on the initiative. This strong endorsement is reflected in the survey findings, demonstrating broad community support for the project.

Next Steps and Implementation Plan

With Council's endorsement, the City is set to move forward with the Request for Business Partnerships process, preparatory site due diligence, and other key activities outlined in the six-phase implementation plan. Key decision points and milestones will require Council consideration and direction at various stages, as well as additional public consultation, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project's development.

The City anticipates initiating a public fundraising campaign, engaging the community in shaping the facility's design, and ultimately issuing the construction tender.

Stay tuned to this project page for more updates as they become available.