Canada Lands outlines conditions for possible Halifax CFL stadium

HALIFAX —The federal Crown corporation Canada Lands has issued a statement outlining terms of a possible deal for the sale of land to the firm aiming to bring CFL football to Halifax.

The stadium would be built in Shannon Park by Schooners Sports and Entertainment (SSE). Canada Lands and SSE recently signed a letter of intent outlining the parameters of a potential deal that would see a community-use stadium integrated into the park, said a recent release.

The deal includes the possible sale of up to 20 acres of land to SSE for a community stadium and the preparation of the business case by SSE sought by the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

The release noted a master plan prepared for the park in 2015 and 2016 did not include a stadium site so Canada Lands is requiring SSE and HRM to undertake further engagement with the community on the proposed new use.

The master plan includes a mixed-use residential development at Shannon Park in addition to public open spaces, park areas and commercial and employment uses.

Canada Lands is also asking the stadium proponents to co-ordinate plans with the Millbrook First Nation.

“Within these parameters, Canada Lands remains committed to working with HRM and SSE in the full assessment of the proposed integration of a community stadium site into the Shannon Park development plan,” the statement said.

In a separate release, SSE announced it has partnered with Sport Nova Scotia on a stadium plan. The plan would create a year-round, multi-use sports venue that will be open to the broader public for amateur and recreational sport and serve as the home for the proposed Atlantic Canadian CFL team.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Sport Nova Scotia on this plan to bring a publicly accessible, community sports and entertainment hub to Atlantic Canada, right here at Shannon Park,” said Anthony Leblanc, founding partner of SSE, in the statement. “We all know the positive social outcomes that communities benefit from when youth are engaged in organized play and sport. This facility, and the free access to it that local amateur and recreational sport organizations will enjoy, helps promote these positive outcomes. Of course, we are also thrilled that the Schooners will call the facility home as well.”

“I look forward to the day when our fantastic game can be played and experienced by fans in a beautiful space that serves the people of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada well,” said Randy Ambrosie, CFL commissioner. “As I’ve said, expansion only works if it serves not just the CFL but the local community. Having a world-class facility for CFL game day is important, but it’s even more crucial to have an open, accessible space to serve the community where they can grow, watch and play sports.”