Corporate Report. Report from Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Business Planning and. Report Number: PRCS File: ,

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Corporate Report. Report from Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Business Planning and. Report Number: PRCS File: ,"

Bertha Horn
5 years ago
Views:

Corporate Report Report from Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Business Planning and Strategic Services Date of Report: November 8, 2017 Date of Meeting: November 27, 2017 Report Number:

1 Corporate Report Report from Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Business Planning and Strategic Services Date of Report: November 8, 2017 Date of Meeting: November 27, 2017 Report Number: PRCS File: , Subject: Partnership Investment Opportunity: 2020 Brier Championship Bid Recommendation That Council endorse the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club s (The Club) bid application, developed with a Bid Committee, to host the Curling Canada s 2020 Brier Championship (The Brier); and That Council direct staff to work with The Club on the bid; and That Council consider The Club s request for financial support in the amount of $202,660 for the bid application through the City waived fees association with the 2020 Brier Championships; and Further that Council refer The Club s request for financial support in the amount of $150,000 ($75,000 in each 2019 and 2020) for event marketing and promotion associated with the 2020 Brier Championships to the Budget Standing Committee. FORTHWITH Summary This report presents a case for the City s support in a bid to host the 2020 Brier Championship in St. Catharines. The Club is seeking a partnership with the City and Council support for facility waived fees associated with The Brier for the purpose of the bid submission. Background The Club is preparing a bid to host the 2020 Brier Championships to take place at the beginning of March, An informal Bid Committee has been established and includes participation from the City, SMG, Brock University, Heart of Niagara Hotels, Niagara College, representative from MPP Jim Bradley s Office, and representative from MP Chris Bittle s Office. The bid committee has been proactive in discussions and have engaged multiple community stakeholders in bid preparations and will continue to as the process continues. Staff team included in discussions to date include representatives from Economic Development and Government Relations, Fire and Emergency Services and Parks, Report Page 1 of 6

2 Recreation and Culture Services. As the bid continues to unfold, staff will continue to engage the required department representatives. City major event participation The City of St. Catharines has proudly hosted significant events such as the World Rowing Championships on the historic Henley and the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. The most recent being the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women s World Championships with a confirmed $6.5M economic impact and the 2017 Scotties Tournament of Hearts estimated $9M economic impact (based on events of similar size). These events will be followed by the 2018 FIBA of the Americas U18 Mens Championship and Niagara s 2021 Canada Summer Games. Report The St. Catharines Golf and Country Club is seeking partnership support from the City of St. Catharines to submit a bid for the 2020 Brier Championship. The Brier is the annual Men s Curling Championship, sanctioned by Curling Canada; it is regarded as the world s premier curling championship. The Brier has been held since 1927, traditionally over the course of nine days during the month of March; it is by far the best supported curling competition in terms of paid attendance - attracting crowds far larger than even those for the World Championships held in Canada. The winner of the Brier goes on to represent Canada at the World Championships of the same year. Starting in 2018, the Brier will expand to a sixteen team field the ten provinces, three territories, Northern Ontario and Team Canada being joined by the highest-ranked nonqualified team on the Canadian Team Ranking System standings. Teams qualify through their respective provincial championships, which are held annually and open to any Canadian men s curling team consisting of Canadian citizens. The teams will be separated into two pools of eight, each playing a round-robin, with the top four teams in each pool advancing to second pool to determine the final four teams. Hosting opportunity would engage community partners and has a significant expected economic impact The City of St. Catharines involvement in the 2020 Brier Championships would afford the opportunity to involve local curling clubs, post-secondary institutions Brock University and Niagara College, community members, business partners, and volunteers in a high profile event that has never been hosted in our hometown. In addition, the City of St. Catharines would benefit from the economic impact of the event. The economic impact assessments varies on location; a minimum estimate of $11M to $15M is provided through the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance. Bid proposal planning is in progress A local bid committee has been organized and have been in discussions on the potential to bid on the 2020 Brier Championship. The committee consists of representatives from The St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, City, SMG, Brock University, Heart of Niagara Hotels, Niagara College, a representative from MPP Jim Bradley s Office, and a Report Page 2 of 6

3 representative from MP Chris Bittle s Office. Conference calls and potential site visits would take place in summer 2018, with a fall 2018 announcement of the successful community. Participation and media coverage is broad Based on the current format, the Brier offers the involvement of 16 teams, coaches and managers from across Canada. Estimated attendance is over 60,000 spectators with approximately 500+ volunteers and numerous media representatives. It is estimated that there will be sixty five hours of TSN coverage Live from St. Catharines with the final telecast attracting over 2.5 million views. Athlete, visitor, and VIP accommodation It has been proposed that the athlete, visitor, and VIP accommodation be located across the Heart and Niagara Hotel properties and beyond, which align to Curling Canada standards. Many City facilities would be highlighted and utilized The event will require the use of various city infrastructure in the downtown including; Ontario Street and Carlisle Street Parking Garages, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the Meridian Centre and St. Paul street for a cultural street activation. Event provides opportunity to support Map Your Adventure in St. Catharines The Brier Patch A significant component to hosting the event is the Brier Patch. Curling Canada s expectation is that the Patch is located within walking distance to the Meridian Centre and must accommodate 2000 patrons. The Patch is an entertainment hub with food, beverage, live entertainment, cultural activations, and an opportunity for players to interact with spectators. Staff and the Bid Committee have investigated various sites including the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, and Marilyn I Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Unfortunately, these sites would not meet designated requirements. For purposes of the bid submission, two locations have been explored, the Meridian Centre lower parking lot and St. Paul Street. Both locations would be presented as options with in the bid and with a successful bid each option would be explored further for detailed logistics, cost and related considerations. Community Confidence and Legacy An opportunity for the City is visualizing a complete activation on the streets of downtown St. Catharines allowing the spectators to continue to map their own adventure while in our hometown. Spectators would have a true St. Catharines experience with the downtown turned into a cultural street festival. Spectators would exit the Meridian Centre from the Rankin bridge and walk out into the streets with opportunities for them to choose their own adventure and experience all that we have to offer. Across from the Rankin Bridge could include the installation of a large, heated tent to serve as the main hub. In order to ensure a successful event inside the Meridian Report Page 3 of 6

4 Centre and the peripheral the Downtown Association would be further engaged and all businesses approached to determine how we can work together to further bring the streets of downtown to life. Traffic Control Plan Should the bid be successful, the Organizing Committee will create a Transportation Sub-Committee that will be responsible for making the transportation arrangements for the event. This will include transportation of athletes, spectators and officials to and from events. Volunteers The 2020 Bid Committee will assemble a team responsible for recruitment and training of 500+ volunteer with Curling Canada as the lead. Volunteer positions may require specialized skills and work experience, while others simply require enthusiasm to get involved. As the City continues to grow our sport hosting, there are always opportunities to advance and refine volunteer training and event logistics these are valuable exercises that support event legacy and advance preparations for future events. Financial Implications The City of St. Catharines will be asked to support the Brier Championships by providing the necessary infrastructure, through the requested waived fees, and municipal supports, through a staff liaison, required to ensure that the event is a success. Event Marketing and Promotion Request Event Marketing and Promotion Request To incorporate additional event marketing and promotion into the operating budget over the next three years to support the event and attract visitors across Canada and the US. *requested $75,000 over 2019 and 2020 Amount* $150,000 Report Page 4 of 6

5 Facility Waiver Investment Request Facility Waiver Request FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre approximate costs associated with use of facility for VIP Mayor s Reception, Curling Canada Meeting hosting opportunities. Meridian Centre approximate costs associated with 6 days load in/out and 10 event days. Amount* $4,260 $198,400 Total Estimated Partnership / Fee Waiver $202,660 *2017 Rates would be adjusted to 2020 rates once determined In addition, this event may potentially impact the game and practice schedules of the Niagara IceDogs and the Niagara River Lions, which may result in associated relocation costs. The above outlines and estimated fee waiver. Further opportunities may arise that have a financial implication such as hosting Press Conference at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Total Estimated Partnership / Fee Waiver Request FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre approximate costs associated with use of facility for VIP Mayor s Reception, Curling Canada Meeting hosting opportunities. Meridian Centre approximate costs associated with 6 days load in/out and 10 event days. To incorporate additional event marketing and promotion into the operating budget over the next three years to support the event and attract visitors across Canada and the US. Total Estimated Partnership/Fee Waiver Amount $4,260* $198,400* $150,000 $352,660 *2017 Rates would be adjusted to 2020 rates once determined Report Page 5 of 6

6 Revenue potential SMG has indicated that the revenue from Food and Beverage is expected to outweigh the costs associated with the Meridian Centre fee waiver. If successful with the bid, staff will explore and negotiate other revenue generation opportunities with The Club and Curling Canada. Appendix 1 outlines the expected financial impact from SMG / Meridian Centre for the event. Relationship to Strategic Plan The 2020 Championships supports the economic, social and cultural sustainability goals. Collaborative work with Regional partners supports the development of our Country s amateur athletes. The outcome is new events that draw the community together, encourage local engagement and investment, and attract new visitors to the community to enjoy, support and grow our local economy. The recommendations of this report support the following Strategic Plan Goal s identified by Council: Economic Sustainability develop partnerships to enhance the economic vitality of the community Social Sustainability connect people, places and neighbourhoods Cultural Sustainability support cultural festivals and events that build civic pride, encourage local engagements and attract people to the community Conclusion The City of St. Catharines has witnessed firsthand the power of sport uniting our community and inspiring youth. The opportunity to host Curling Canada s 2020 Brier Championships in St. Catharines would provide many partnership and community development opportunities that are well aligned to the City s Strategic Plan creating positive economic and social benefits for the young athletes and the community at large. The event presents an opportunity to showcase the Meridian Centre and the City of St. Catharines to the local community and further with the national exposure of the Championships and the City. Notification It is in order to notify Mr. Doug Geddie, Mr. Brent Pym and Mr. Peter Scott Jr. of the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club. Prepared by: Jennifer Douglas, Community Partnership Officer Submitted by: Amy Tomaino, Manager Business Planning and Strategic Services Approved by: Phil Cristi, Director Parks, Recreation and Culture Services Report Page 6 of 6

7 1 MEMO To: Brian York, Director of Economic Development From: Jeff Dixon, General Manager Subject: Curling Canada Brier Bid Date: November 9, 2017 c.c.: Jennifer Douglas The Meridian Centre and SMG fully support the City of St. Catharines bid to host Curling Canada s Brier. Based on the success of hosting the Scotties in February 2017 and provided that the Brier draws similar attendance, the revenues generated by the Meridian Centre will out way the level of financial support required to secure this National event. Based on the requirements of the venue listed in the official bid document venue terms of agreement, 3 days of set-up, 10 event days and 3 days of tear down, the estimated expense of the Meridian Centre to host this event will be $198,400 (+HST). In summary, with the City of St. Catharines absorbing this level of expenses, the Meridian Centre will be revenue positive by hosting the event, bringing in excess revenues that would not be realized without hosting this event. Jeff Dixon General Manager Meridian Centre / SMG Proudly managed by 1 IceDogs Way, St. Catharines, ON L2R 0B3

DATE: August 5, 2014 REPORT NO. CD TYPE OF REPORT CONSENT ITEM [ ] ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION [ X ]

DATE: August 5, 2014 REPORT NO. CD2014-130 TO: FROM: Chair and Members Committee of the Whole Community Services Gregory Dworak, General Manager Community Services 1.0 TYPE OF REPORT CONSENT ITEM [ ] ITEM