Release:
(February 8, 2011) – Regional Council this evening approved the next
steps in positioning HRM to be a host city for the 2015 Women’s World
Cup, the largest and highest level women’s soccer tournament.
With this evening’s vote, HRM will proceed with a $100,000
consultation and business planning analysis for a stadium, and form a
council-appointed, citizen-led Project Steering Committee. The Mayor
will sign a Letter of Intent to be sent to the Canadian Soccer
Association.
“Council has thrown its support to this bid and to the serious
consideration of a stadium,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “We will do our
best to determine what opportunities a stadium holds for our community
and at what cost.”
A decision is expected in March on the host country. If successful, the
Canadian Soccer Association will be seeking a minimum of six cities
across the country to host the games. A host city is required to provide
an outdoor venue with a minimum seating capacity of 20,000, which can
include a mix of temporary and permanent seating.
With this evening’s approval, citizens, sport and recreation groups
and potential partners will be consulted to inform a comprehensive
business planning and financial feasibility analysis that is expected to
be complete in June 2011
This marks the second significant Council vote on the FIFA bid and
possible stadium. On December 7, Council voted to continue as a
candidate city for the 2015 Women’s World Cup, expedite public input
and explore private and public sources of funding. Events Nova Scotia
paid the $25,000 bid deposit.
If a sustainable business model can be developed that meets with
Council approval, Council will then determine if HRM moves on to Phase
2: site selection, building program, design and more detailed costing.
Public engagement would be included throughout Phase 2.
Phase 3, the construction phase, would also only proceed if approved by
Council.
“We are taking a stepwise approach that allows us to move forward and
determine if this is the right time to add a stadium to add to the fine
amenities of our region,” said Mayor Kelly.