Stadium stumble at Ivor Wynne

he city is short up to $54.5 million in funding to renovate Ivor Wynne Stadium after a report revealed the project will cost millions more than expected.

The staff report, obtained by The Spectator and set to be released to the public Monday, states the cost of overhauling the east-end stadium will be $156.5 million to $174.5 million. With the funding currently on the table from the city and the upper levels of government, that leaves a $36.5 million to $54.5 million gap.

The cost estimates mean the proposal to renovate Ivor Wynne — the last-minute pitch from Mayor Bob Bratina and Ticats owner Bob Young that buoyed the city’s hopes of resolving the long-running stadium debate — has become the latest in a string of stadium options the city cannot afford.

It also means the only possibility that doesn’t present any funding gap is a 5,000-seat stadium in the west harbour.

“I’m shocked by the numbers. It’s not even remotely attainable,” said Councillor Sam Merulla, who has consistently championed renovating Ivor Wynne. “Just when we thought it was over, the drama continues. It’s just way out of reach.”

In the report, city staff say they received estimates from Toronto 2015, and Infrastructure Ontario said it will cost $156.5 million for a no-frills renovation to meet Pan Am and base CFL requirements. That cost includes demolishing and rebuilding the south side of Ivor Wynne, renovating the north stands, and “transition costs” to ensure the team doesn’t lose money during the construction.

In the report, city staff say the Tiger-Cats have identified five “preconditions” to signing a deal with the city. These include stipulations that the stadium must have a minimum capacity of 23,500 seats and the north stands should be completely renovated.

The Cats also want the city to build new office space at Ivor Wynne so the team can move their operations from their current headquarters at 1 Jarvis St. to the stadium. Finally, the franchise wants 1,500 team-controlled parking spaces and an assurance that the team will not be “economically disadvantaged” during the stadium renos.