Thoughts and Opinions On Today's Important Issues

Friday, September 29, 2006

Eddie Builds Arena---In Tecumseh

So Eddie kept his word. He helped build an arena but unfortunately not in Windsor.

We should not be too surprised though. Windsor holds border Special Council meetings in Tecumseh too


And poor Eddie...his worst nightmare. Now the pressure will be on to build a Manning Road link between Highway 401 and E C Row. Trucks on our expressway now may be Eddie's border legacy!

TECUMSEH TO HOST NEW ICE TRACK FACILITY
Large Venue Sports and Entertainment Centre to be built at Manning Road and Hwy 401

TECUMSEH – Today it was announced that an agreement has been struck between the Corporation of the Town of Tecumseh (“Tecumseh”) and Ice Track Corporation (“Ice Track”) to construct an arena, practice ice pad, new racetrack and slots facility. It was also confirmed that the site will play host to new restaurant facilities owned by M-Ten Enterprises and a hockey franchise.

“Today is a landmark day for Tecumseh”, declared Mayor Gary McNamara. “Not only will the townspeople of Tecumseh be well served by this new facility, but this will be of great benefit to Essex County. On behalf of Tecumseh, I want to welcome our new partners to Town.”

The public/private partnership, announced today, has the following components:
- A 6500 seat Spectator Arena that will play host to both the hockey franchise and to a Wayne Gretzky G99 Restaurant and Museum.
- A practice ice facility that will be constructed adjacent to the arena
- Guaranteed hours for community access with favourable rental rates
- The construction of a new horseracing facility. This will be the new home of standardbred racing in the Essex County region
- The construction of a new slots facility to replace the Slots at Racetracks Program currently operating at the Windsor Raceway Site.

It is expected that this regional facility would be open and operational in the fall of 2008.

“We are pleased to join with the Town of Tecumseh in making this project a reality,” added Ice Track proponents Anthony G Toldo, Nick Rosati and Tony Rosati. “Ever since the Town approached us, we have been impressed with their focus and determination to make this project work. We are certain that the Town’s enthusiasm for Project Ice Track will only enhance its success going forward.”

For its part the Town of Tecumseh has committed $15 million towards the construction of the arena facility. The land hosting the arena will be donated to the Town and leased back on a long term basis to Ice Track. Development charges will be paid by Ice Track on all properties save and except those hosting the arena as they will remain under the ownership of the Town. The horseracing and slots facility will be constructed simultaneously with the arena.

The new facility has been earning praise from other stakeholders involved in this process. Brian Tropea, the Executive Vice President of the Ontario Harness Horse Association was clear in his support of this project. “This facility will drive a renaissance in harness racing in South Western Ontario”, declared Tropea. “The location is ideal and we are certain that we will realize a growth in interest in our sport as people attend this new facility. We can’t wait to start racing in Tecumseh.”

Tecumseh Town Council unanimously approved the arrangements with Ice Track at a meeting of Council this week.