There's been a lot of talk about the proposed GTA Centre and it's 20,000 seat capacity. Although it's advertised use as an NHL Arena may be misleading, an arena complex is what Markham desperately needs. With that in mind, what is the highest and best use for this facility? Certainly not an NHL sized arena that may or may not sell out a handful of times during the course of a year. Everyone knows deep down inside that it is far fetched to think the NHL will grant Markham a team, at least not in the near future.
As a die-hard Leafs and Marlies Fan, and a strong supporter of boys' and girls' hockey teams in Markham and Stouffville, a state-of-the-art hockey facility is something I would fight hard to support. I recently had the privilege of visiting the Sensplex in Kanata, Ontario. THIS is what Markham needs. It would occupy the same footprint as the mega-arena would. We could have two regulation sized hockey rinks, one dedicated figure skating rink which could house the Unionville or Markham Skating clubs, and an Olympic Sized rink. The facility could also house a mixed-use court for badminton/tennis/soccer or anything else that would enhance it's value. The second floor would feature a restaurant/bar which overlooked all the arenas, to allow parents/fans to watch the games while enjoying a quick meal or drink. There could also be retail space inside the facility for pro shops, and possibly stalls for local small businesses to rent during weekends or tournaments. With the possibility of selling out 20,000 seats each week being slim to none, a facility like this could have one of the rinks seat 5,000 - 7,500 spectators. This would be a slightly upscale rink that could be used for concerts and events and possibly be the new home for a Markham OHL team, the Waxers or possibly an ECHL team that would support the Toronto Marlies. The Markham Minor Hockey Association is the largest minor hockey association around the world. There is a shortage of ice team for the boys, and even more so for girls hockey. A facility like that suggested above is exactly what Markham requires. This would be a phenomenal hockey tournament venue that would allow Markham to showcase itself to out-of-town visitors every week. From a financing standpoint, this would be a much easier sell to city council as well as residents. Each rink would allow for corporate sponsorship, thereby reducing any hit to Markham residents through tax hikes. Remington or Bauer Performance Sports could be the title sponsor for the entire facility since they play a key role in developing this centre. Retail space would be leased and would be an amazing draw for major chains/retailers. Being a multi-purpose facility, there would be something happening every day rather than being a 20,000 seat, glorified concert facility that could sell out once a month maximum. I've hear the "Build It And They Will Come" argument and we've all seen how well that worked for Hamilton with Copps Coliseum. Practical, and cost-effective usage must be top of mind. The amount of reciprocal business this facility could generate for surrounding businesses is quite intriguing.This idea will fly and will do more for the City than a vacant arena that will be sold off to Rogers or Bell for a fraction of the cost in 10 years leaving tax payers to foot the bill. A multi-use facility will also allow Markham to participate in any type of Winter Games, should they come to Toronto. This facility would go along way in any GTA bid for winter games and help to put Markham on the map, similar to Markham's participation in the upcoming Pan Am Games. Let's hope the developers step up and make this happen. City Council and Markham residents will surely agree this would be sustainable in the long term as well as fill a dire need in the community. I welcome your thoughts.
Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.
Re/Max Hall of Fame
click here: http://bit.ly/Phzcqe
Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan
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