Photo: Kelowna Rockets
The mayor of Kelowna says the city is “exploring its options” when it comes to the state of Prospera Place.
The keys to the arena, which opened in 1999, will be delivered to the city in 2029 in accordance with the public-private partnership between the city and the GSL group that built it. , owner and exploited.
But it is a statement from the Kelowna Rockets last Friday night that worries the mayor.
The statement, released moments after the Kamloops Blazers were awarded the 2023 Memorial Cup, suggested that the Rockets were unable to attend the event due to “significant deficiencies” in the building related to the new guidelines imposed on teams. potential hosts for the Canadian Hockey League.
“The city is a signatory to this agreement,” Colin Basran told Castanet News, referring to the public-private partnership.
“Without going into too much detail because it involves legal, we are certainly exploring our options as to what we can do to get to a place where the operator can bring the building to a standard so that we can accommodate it. Memorial Cup) again “.
The statement said no agreement could be reached between GSL, the city and the Rockets on the necessary capital improvements.
Although nothing specific has been revealed, it is believed that lighting upgrades to fit the TV and additional changing rooms are on the list of required upgrades.
GSL Group, in a statement sent by email to Castanet, says it is also disappointed that the 2023 Memorial Cup will not come to Kelowna, but said it was “committed to making every effort to meet the updated specific Cup standard.” Memorial established by the CHL. “
“But in the end, the Rockets decided not to continue with the candidacy, as is their right as a CHL team,” the statement added.
“Prospera Place and GSL Group have been, and continue to be, fulfilling our obligations and contractual arrangements. This 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 forward, the biggest picture is the state of the building in seven years and whether there will be a major tenant.
“After all, what the City Council needs to keep in mind is that we will inherit a building in seven years, and what we don’t want is to inherit a building that will force taxpayers to invest heavily in it. .but we also want to make sure the building has a tenant.
“If we continue down this path, what are the chances of inheriting a building that not only requires major improvements, but does not have a tenant anchor. I would say it is a major concern and should be a concern for our neighbors.”
Basran says he has no reason to believe the Rockets will leave, but says it’s always a possibility, adding that he would obviously like to see Kelowna’s long-term future assured.
“Being in a first class building will be part of that and unfortunately right now we don’t have that first class building.”
GSL argued that Prospera Place is an award-winning building, recognized as a pioneer for small markets in North America. It was the first to add features such as private suites and a bowl-view restaurant.
“Since we opened in 1999, we have brought, and will continue to bring, notable sporting events and entertainment events to fans in the area, helping to make Kelowna a world-class artistic, cultural and sporting destination.”