For further details about this unique opportunity, the Request for Expressions of Interest can be found on the City of Saint John website.
The request for expressions of interest represents an initial step from the City to determine the level and amount of interest from private operators to invest in the City-owned regional facility; one of many initiatives presented to Common Council in October 2019 as an avenue to help achieve growth, cost-savings and long-term financial sustainability for Saint John.
“With a strong partnership in place, we could maximize value for taxpayers and secure a bright future for TD Station in an environment that is becoming more and more competitive,” says Darling.
TD Station is one of four popular regional facilities in Saint John that have operating costs subsidized by the Greater Saint John Regional Facilities Commission. Capital maintenance costs for the twenty-seven-year-old facility have traditionally fallen to Saint John taxpayers. The City recently adopted a restructuring plan that, among many things, includes a review of the operations of some City-owned facilities, such as TD Station, with the goal of reducing the City’s overall financial commitments to these facilities.
“The private sector has a proven track record of handling large-scale facilities like TD Station very successfully in communities across Canada. For the benefit of Saint John, we want to know if the same type of partnership could work here,” adds Darling.
Within the request for expressions of interest, the City has identified that TD Station must continue to be used as a multi-purpose sport and entertainment venue. Potential proponents are also advised that TD Station is currently subject to two agreements that must be honoured: A five-year agreement with TD Bank for the naming rights of the facility (2019-2024); and a five-year agreement with the Sea Dogs Hockey Club of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (2019-2024).
Designed to seat 7,800 people, TD Station can accommodate the requirements of most special events, conventions and performances, and can transform into the largest arena floor in Atlantic Canada.
Since opening in 1993, TD Station (formerly named Harbour Station) has hosted a number of world-class events, including three Skate Canada Internationals, two World Curling Championships, and 31 Cirque du Soleil performances. It also hosted the Canadian Country Music Awards and East Coast Music Awards. An impressive line-up of performers have graced the stage over the years, including Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, James Taylor, Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld.
TD Station is home to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team, the Saint John Sea Dogs.
TD Station is uniquely positioned in uptown Saint John and is connected to nearby amenities through a fully-accessible pedway system. The “inside connection” links the facility to two major hotels, shopping, restaurants, bars, the famous Saint John City Market, indoor parking and more.
