Politicians fail to sign Copps deal; hope an agreement is ready by Friday

Hamilton politicians failed to reach a lease agreement Tuesday with high-tech billionaire Jim Balsillie to house a potential NHL franchise at Copps Coliseum.

“We have not reached an agreement yet, but we are ironing out the details,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger, during a news conference after a two-hour committee meeting.

Mayor Eisenberger and Ward 8 (west Mountain) councillor Terry Whitehead, chair of the city’s NHL Steering Committee, confirmed they have provided Mr. Balsillie’s lawyer, Richard Rodier, with a counter-offer.

The mayor said there were a number of issues that remain outstanding, but he refused to provide any details.

“We need to make sure we are looking out for the interests of our taxpayers,” said Mayor Eisenberger. He said the other councillors were in agreement on how the discussions were being handled.

“We asked some tough questions,” said Coun. Whitehead. “It was a good meeting.”