Stantec, Graham selected for $152M Brantford Sports and Entertainment Centre

Brantford City Council has voted in favour of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre (SEC) to be built beside the existing 60-year-old Civic Centre.

For the $152 million project, to be located at 79 Market St., the city selected Stantec for design and engineering and Graham Construction for design-build.

The approximately 200,000 square foot new, permanent home of the Brantford Bulldogs Ontario Hockey League team that will accommodate over 5,200 spectators, is poised to transform the city’s downtown core as a key entertainment district in the province.

“Our design will embrace the city’s enthusiasm for a wide range of events, from sports tournaments to concerts and community gatherings, and offer a versatile addition to the urban landscape,” said Stantec design director Dathe Wong. “The result is a dynamic centre that will attract world-class entertainment and instil civic pride in the community.”

An updated report on the project was recently presented for consideration at a special Brantford City Council meeting to detail amended costs of the build, financing sources, building design, venue amenities as well as to outline the projected economic benefits to the city and address parking concerns.

The report, from Chief Administrative Officer Michael Bradley, outlines the following key elements of the planned Market Street build:

• A building exterior that incorporates the use of metals, concrete and glass.
• An interior with a net programmed square footage of 189,850, comprised of four levels.
• The main level contains the event floor, Bulldogs team spaces, back of house space, visitor team space, green rooms and storage.
• The concourse level on the second floor will provide most facility users with seat access as well as access to a range of amenities.
• A suite level on the third floor contains private suites, some additional premium seats and areas for media.
• The fourth level contains mechanical systems and a catwalk to access an overhead rigging grid.

As well as OHL hockey and other sports, the building design will allow other activities such as concerts, trade shows and community and cultural events.

Among Stantec’s design partners are Ohsweken-based Two Row Architect, who will incorporate Indigenous culture and traditional design elements rooted in the community.

Mayor Kevin Davis emphasized the significance of this decision noting that, “the sports and entertainment centre will be a generational project for our community, a driver of downtown renewal, and an investment that will shape Brantford’s future identity and prosperity.”

He added, “the financing approach is both responsible and sustainable, allowing the city to move forward without diverting funds from essential municipal services.”

The initial cost for the project was an estimated $140 million, however, according to Bradley’s report, “post COVID-19 construction has seen dramatic increases in construction costs,” with the increase estimated between 35 and 55 per cent since 2021, bringing the current SEC project to a projected cost of $152 million.

Other factors in the cost increase include moving the centre to the southeast quadrant of the property from a spot immediately south of the civic centre. This will allow for the creation of a civic plaza and more parking spaces.

In updating the project’s financing plan, the report states, “The SEC financing plan projects that the $152 million project cost would be paid for by raising a $140 million municipal debenture with the balance paid from funds held in the SEC reserve. The SEC reserve would be funded from a number of funding sources including the proceeds of the sale of city lands, reallocated casino revenues, fundraising, sponsorships, operator contributions, Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues and the net incremental tax increases resulting from new development within the downtown area.”

The report outlines the project will generate economic benefits during the short and long-term:

• During construction, $261 million directly, $145 million in Gross Domestic Product impact.
• 1,260 full time equivalent jobs, $90 million in employment income and $24.9 million in federal and provincial tax revenues annually from operations.
• $13.2 million in spending, $7.6 million in GDP impact, 95 full-time equivalent jobs, $6 million in employment income and $2.5 million in federal and provincial tax revenues.
• On a 10-year cumulative operating impact, $145 million in spending, $83.1 million in GDP impact, 1,030 full-time equivalent employees, $67.8 million in employment income, and $26.1 million in federal and provincial tax revenue.

Detailing parking, the report states the available spaces in the immediate vicinity of the SEC following completion of the project would be 1,647. This includes on the SEC/Civic Centre site itself as well as other venues in the immediate area such as the Brantford Farmer’s Market. There are also another 595 public parking spots within an estimated 15-minute walk to the SEC site.

Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and, ideally, finish in early 2028.

“The SEC…will supercharge the lower downtown precinct with development and prosperity. This transformational project is a critical step towards a future that aligns with the city’s 2050 vision to create civic pride for generations to come,” said Bradley in his report.