Oshawa City Council has approved $200,000 for in-kind services, a $50,000 cash contribution and $110,000 in Tribute Communities Centre capital upgrades should the Oshawa Generals secure the 2021 Memorial Cup tournament.
The city is excited for the tremendous opportunity to showcase to the world our city and the world-class Tribute Communities Centre including the Sports Hall of Fame as a premier sports and entertainment facility, said a council statement.
Hosting the Memorial Cup tournament will provide amazing opportunities for local businesses and tourism, and create significant economic spin-off benefits. Focused on economic support and recovery for local businesses, the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force supports Council’s decision to provide financial support to the Oshawa Generals in its 2021 Memorial Cup bid, it said.
If the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club is successful in its bid, the city’s financial support will include:
- $200,000 for in-kind services, which includes facility rentals for practice ice at Delpark Homes Centre, rental of rinks 1 and 2 at Tribute Communities Centre, and staffing costs (e.g. ushers, concession staff, housekeeping, building cleaners) during the tournament
- $50,000 cash contribution to support the funding required for fan fest, the beer garden with entertainment and other ancillary expenses
- $110,000 allocation to support capital upgrades at the Tribute Communities Centre for the Memorial Cup tournament, including expansion of the video replay room and installation of two countdown clocks for the visiting team dressing rooms
Additionally, in February, the city issued a letter of support to the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club in support of its bid.
The Oshawa Generals is one of the oldest and most decorated franchises in the Canadian Hockey League, and the oldest in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In their 83-year history, the Generals have won the J. Ross Robertson Cup (awarded to the OHL Champions) a record 13 times. In addition, they have been crowned Memorial Cup Champions five times. The Generals have over 180 graduates to the National Hockey League.
“The City of Oshawa greatly values our partnership with the Oshawa Generals and we are excited for this tremendous opportunity to host the prestigious Memorial Cup,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “The Oshawa Generals, with more than 83 years history in our city, have made Oshawa a hockey town. Gens fans – including me – would love to cheer on our home team at the Memorial Cup hosted here in our great city.”
“The Oshawa Generals and Canadian Junior Hockey have long been a tradition here in our community and are truly part of the fabric of what makes Oshawa the great city it is today. We are proud to show our support by helping to bring the 2021 Memorial Cup here where it belongs,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair, Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force. “Oshawa loves cheering on its ‘Gennies’ and this is sure to lift our community’s spirits while also providing a much-needed boost to our local economy while shinning positive exposure for the great city.”
“By supporting the Oshawa Generals bid to host the Memorial Cup, local hockey fans can enjoy some great hometown entertainment and see the up and coming NHL stars of the future. Let’s all cheer on our Oshawa Genies,” said Councillor John Gray, Chair, Finance Committee.