Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
Hamilton City Council has recently approved an agreement which will pave the way for millions of dollars in investment in the downtown core.
For more details, please continue reading below…
The Downtown Entertainment Precinct master agreement between the City and the Hamilton Urban Precinct Group is a 49-year agreement which will save taxpayers and estimated $155 million over 30 years.
The agreement will see the Urban Precinct Group take over responsibility of the operations and maintenance of the First Ontario Centre and Concert Hall, as well as the Hamilton Convention Centre for a period of 49 years – with no monetary contribution from the City.
The proposed $50 million renovation of the FirstOntario Centre will include a new exterior facade and a video board, a transformation of the lower bowl, an expanded concourse, as well as other proposed changes to the curtain system for the upper bowl.
The renovation also proposes to allow year-round access to street-level activations on York Boulevard which will include a sports lounge, an e-Gaming zone, and additional food and beverage offerings in collaboration with local hospitality partners.
In addition to the comprehensive arena transformation, the Precinct Group’s plan includes over $12.5 million in capital upgrades, expansion and aesthetic enhancements to the existing Hamilton Convention Centre and Concert Hall, as well as a one-time $2 million contribution to the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
The Precinct Group’s plan also includes over $500 million in auxiliary mixed-use development, including 5% affordable housing in one of the residential developments.
As part of the agreement, the City will be transacting the following City-owned properties to the Precinct Group for the purpose of redevelopment:
- Surface parking lot located at 14 Vine Street
- 191 York Boulevard
- York Boulevard Parkade
The City’s contribution to this agreement is limited to City owned lands in the downtown core, and a new incentive program called the “Downtown Entertainment Precinct Advancement Program”.
With this plan, there will be no tax hike for residents of the City – unlike the proposed Limeridge Mall arena proposition which would have theoretically cost the City over $95 million – or a 1.5% tax increase to all residents.
The Precinct Group is set to take over the operations and maintenance of all three entertainment venues on April 1, 2022 with the City retaining ownership of the lands and facilities.
Some additional facts from the City’s release:
- On December 1, 2017, Hamilton City Council approved a motion that directed staff to investigate opportunities for a private sector-led redevelopment of the FirstOntario Centre, the Hamilton Convention Centre, and the FirstOntario Concert Hall.
- In July 2020, the City announced that it had selected the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group L.P. as the successful proponent in the redevelopment initiative.
- Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group L.P. (known as ‘Precinct Group’) is a regional consortium led by Carmen’s Group and the Mercanti Family and Associates, working in collaboration with venue operators, industry consultants and development partners, including LiUNA, Meridian Credit Union and Paletta Group.
- The “Downtown Entertainment Precinct Advancement Program” is to be a tax increment-based program. Under the program:
- Grants are provided relative to the actual increase in municipal property taxes that are generated as a result of an improvement and/or development undertaken on a property.
- Grants are provided over a maximum term of 30 annual payments and subject to City Council approval.
- Additional details on the “Downtown Entertainment Precinct Advancement Program” will be provided in a public staff report at the July 6, 2021 Planning Committee meeting.
- The City’s Parking Master Plan will provide direction on future parking operations in relation to this agreement and the Precinct Group will work with city staff to replace a portion of the public parking capacity at the York Boulevard Parkade and 14 Vine Street.
- The Precinct Group and city staff will continue to work with Community Living Hamilton at 191 York Boulevard. The Precinct Group has committed to ensuring that Community Living Hamilton’s on-going operational requirements are addressed in any new development on this site.
- FirstOntario Centre construction will take place over two years and completed in two phases. Work is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2022. The Precinct Group will work with current tenants and operator to minimize any operational impacts of the renovations.
- Construction at the Hamilton Convention Centre and the FirstOntario Concert Hall will take place after the completion of the FirstOntario Centre renovations.
- The Precinct Group will work with internationally renowned Arena Architect BBB and lead local architect DPAI in bringing their vision to reality and has indicated extensive plans for the entertainment precinct, including:
- Premium food and beverage amenities like a microbrewery, viewing cocktail lounges and enhanced hospitality suites,
- Refreshed performer rooms coupled with improved technological investments will ensure top-tier artists and all visitors have a best in class experience,
- A long-term ambition of transforming the area into a Distillery District-inspired area, with enhanced pedestrian capabilities and a complete live-work-play experience.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Ward 8 office here.