Photo: Kelowna Rockets
The mayor of Kelowna says the city is “exploring its possibilities” when it comes to the state of Prospera Place.
The keys to the arena, which opened in 1999, will be handed over to the city in 2029 under a public-private partnership between the city and the GSL Group, which built, owned and operated it.
But it was a statement from the Kelowna Rockets last Friday night that worried the mayor.
The statement, released after the Kamlups Blazers won the 2023 Memorial Cup, suggests the Rockets were unable to bid for the event due to “significant flaws” in the building regarding new guidelines imposed on potential home teams by the Canadian Hockey League. .
“The city has signed the agreement,” Colin Basran told Castanet News, citing a public-private partnership.
“Without going into too much detail, as this involves the law, we are certainly exploring our options in terms of what we can do to possibly get to a place where the operator can bring the building up to standard so that we can to host this event (Memorial Cup) again. “
The statement said no agreement could be reached between GSL, the city and Rockets on the necessary capital improvements.
Although nothing specific has been revealed, improvements to the TV accommodation lighting and additional locker rooms are considered to be on the list of needed improvements.
GSL Group, in an e-mail statement to Castanet, said they were also disappointed that the 2023 Memorial Cup would not come to Kelowna, but said it was “committed to making every effort to meet the updated Memorial Cup-specific standard.” determined by CHL. “
“But in the end, the Rockets decided not to continue with the offer, as is their right as the CHL team,” the statement added.
“Prospera Place and GSL Group have complied with and continue to comply with our obligations and contractual agreements. That will not change, nor will our commitment to Kelowna. “
Basran says that while the city is trying to find a way to move the process, the bigger picture is the condition of the building in seven years and whether there will be a main tenant.
“At the end of the day, the council must keep in mind that we will inherit a building in seven years, and what we do not want to do is inherit a building that will require taxpayers to invest heavily in it … but we also want to we are sure that the building has a tenant.
“If we continue on this path, what are the opportunities to inherit a building that not only requires significant improvements, but also has no fixed tenant. I would say that this is a basic concern and should be a concern for our people. “
Basran says he has no reason to believe the Rockets will leave, but says it is always possible, adding that he would obviously like to see their long-term future in Kelowna assured.
“Being in a first-class building will be part of that, and unfortunately we don’t have that first-class building at the moment.”
GSL claims that the Prospera Place is an award-winning building recognized as a pioneer in small markets in North America. He was the first to add features such as private suites and a restaurant overlooking the bowl.
“Since we opened our doors in 1999, we have brought and will continue to offer remarkable sporting events and entertainment to fans in the area, helping to make Kelowna a world-class destination for art, culture and sport.
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