Presentation to the Community Planning & Economic Development
Standing Committee: Letters of Support
September 12, 2023
Dear HRM Standing Committee on Community Planning and Economic Development, and HRM Regional Council: Councillors,
Downtown Halifax Business Commission supports the idea of HRM proceeding to investigate the feasibility and cost of implementing a permanent sports/entertainment venue on the Halifax Wanderers Grounds. Such a venue would continue to be home to the Halifax Wanderers Soccer Team, as well as a potential home for the Citadel High sports teams, other community uses, as well as year-round sporting and entertainment.
The Halifax Wanderers soccer team has proven to be a success for our city, both in providing community spirit, as well as driving economic benefits in several business districts, including Downtown Halifax. They have demonstrated that this previously under-utlilized location works for sports.
We would request that HRM CPED and Regional Council direct staff to undertake a feasibility report, and begin budget planning, for a permanent facility on the Wanderers Grounds.
Paul MacKinnon CEO
Downtown Halifax Business Commission
September 7, 2023
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Halifax Regional Municipality.
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today on behalf of the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association (QRMDA) to voice our support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
Council wisely chose to allow a temporary facility to see if professional soccer in HRM could survive. Five years later, a FC Wanderers game is a go to event. The facility itself, while beautiful, is in much need of upgrades to meet the growing demand for a more modern state of the art facility. Things such as water on site, washrooms and technical upgrades are desperately needed. A permanent investment will allow just that.
Merchants in the food and beverage sector have benefited from the game day matches, and we hope this will continue.
The Wanderers have become more than just a team, they are part of our community. Appearances at schools and community events, sponsorship of youth and game days that honour the Navy etc. are part of the outreach programs that have benefited many.
Your approval today marks the beginning of the work that will need to be done to see if this can become a reality. Please help make what was once just a field in poor shape, a new Community Asset.
Sincerely,
Karla Nicholson Executive Director – QRMDA
Karla@Quinpoolroad.ca
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Halifax Regional Municipality.
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today on behalf of the Spring Garden Area Business Association to voice our support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
Council wisely chose to allow a temporary facility to see if professional soccer in HRM could survive. Five years later, a FC Wanderers game is a go to event. The facility itself, while beautiful, is in much need of upgrades to meet the growing demand for a more modern state of the art facility. Things such as water on site, washrooms and technical upgrades are desperately needed. A permanent investment will allow just that.
Merchants in the entertainment sector have benefited from the game day matches with increased food and liquor sales. The recently introduced March to the Match from the Spring Garden Area has become a notable attraction in the area. Game day has brought vibrancy to Spring Garden.
The Wanderers have become more than just a team, they are part of our community. Appearances at schools and community events, sponsorship of youth and game days that honour the Navy etc. are part of the outreach programs that have benefited many.
Your approval today marks the beginning of the work that will need to be done to see if this can become a reality. Please help make what was once just a field in poor shape, a new Community Asset.
Sincerely,
Sue Uteck
Executive Director – SGABA
sue@springgardenarea.com
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today, as Principal of Citadel High School to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that time. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshift setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and port-a-potties no longer makes sense.
As a community services organization within HRM, I am very appreciative of the way that the Halifax Wanderers has become a part of the community. Not only is the organization very supportive of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth. From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organization’s charitable work. Donating a suite, tickets or merchandise to be auctioned; hosting fundraising events for the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting room at the IWK Pediatric section, and donating a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host patients and families; monetary support for victims of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community.
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fifth season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Scotia. It is past time that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
Joe Morrison Principal, Citadel High School
Dr. Robert Strang
82 Holyrood Close
Fall River, NS
B2T 1V1
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today, as a citizen of HRM and a Public Health specialist physician, to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
Since their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers have used a temporary structure on the Wanderers Grounds. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshift setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and port-a-potties no longer makes sense
As a citizen of HRM, I am very appreciative of the way that the Halifax Wanderers have become a part of the community. Not only is the organization very supportive of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organization’s charitable work. Donating a suite, tickets or merchandise to be auctioned; hosting fundraising events for the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting room at the IWK Pediatric section and donating a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host patients and families; monetary support for victims of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community.
The Wanderer Grounds have hosted other events, such as high-level men’s and women’s rugby matches, and have become an important component of HRM’s increasingly diverse mix of community events and collective social opportunities. Creating a permanent stadium at the Wanderer Grounds would be an excellent contribution to making HRM a healthy and vibrant community.
Sincerely,
Robert Strang MD, MHSC., FRCPC
Charitable Reg #870705829 RR0001
September 8, 2023
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today, as the Fund Development Coordinator of the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (H&R MFRC) in support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that time. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshift setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and porta-potties no longer makes sense
As a community services organization within HRM, I am very appreciative of the way that the Halifax Wanderers has become a part of the community. Not only is the organization very supportive of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organization’s charitable work. Donating a suite, tickets or merchandise to be auctioned; hosting fundraising events for the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting room at the IWK Pediatric section and donating a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host patients and families; monetary support for victims of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community. The Wanderers have supported the H&R MFRC since 2019 through various activities on game day. In addition, members of the Wanderers team have worked with the youth at our Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre. We are grateful for their support.
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fifth season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Scotia. It is past time that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
John McCabe Fund Development Coordinator
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today, as Partnerships Manager of GoodLife Fitness to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that time. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshift setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and porta-potties no longer makes sense
As a community services organization within HRM, I am very appreciative of the way that the Halifax Wanderers has become a part of the community Not only is the organization very supportive of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth. From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organization’s charitable work. Donating a suite, tickets or merchandise to be auctioned; hosting fundraising events for the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting room at the IWK Pediatric section, and donating a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host patients and families; monetary support for victims of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community.
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fifth season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Scotia. It is past time that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
Alison Roop Partnerships Manager GoodLife Fitness
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Commitee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
September 12, 2023
Commitee Members:
I am wri�ng to you today, as the President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facili�es on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that �me. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshi� setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and porta-po�es no longer makes sense
As a community services organiza�on within HRM, I am very apprecia�ve of the way that the Halifax Wanderers have become a part of the community Not only is the organiza�on very suppor�ve of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hos�ng community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organiza�on’s charitable work At the YMCA, our community par�cipants have benefited from donated �ckets to Wanderers games for youth and newcomers who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to par�cipate in this local spor�ng event. We have also had soccer players from the Wanderers at our Community Y, encouraging youth to stay healthy and ac�ve, and inspiring their futures.
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fi�h season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Sco�a. It is past �me that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
Brian Posavad, President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today regarding the initiative by the Halifax Wanderers FC to secure permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds. I am fully supportive of this endeavour.
As a business owner/operator in downtown Halifax, I am directly impacted by the presence of the Wanderers on the peninsula. Club activities have had a positive effect on my business. On days when the Wanderers are playing a game at home, the presence of fans and attendees certainly can’t be missed. From the buzz created by the march to the game, to pre- and post-game purchases at shops and restaurants, the impact is undeniable. When the team is away for matches, their influence is still felt, as fans venture to local pubs and eateries to watch the game.
The Wanderers organization has been very supportive of businesses and establishments throughout HRM. From players’ appearances, to block and street parties, to team barbeques, to viewing parties, the organization is always looking for ways it can use its influence to help its sponsors and partners, and the business community in general.
The Halifax Wanderers began their journey in 2019 in a makeshift facility Since then, they have proven that professional soccer can be successful in the heart of the city, and they are here for the long haul. The year 2023 marks the organization’s fifth season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Scotia. It is past time that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
Damon Kestle President & Co-owner
The Pint Public House 1575 Argyle Street
Halifax B3J 2B2
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today, as President of Halifax City Soccer Club to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that time. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshift setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and porta-potties no longer makes sense
As a community services organization within HRM, Halifax City Soccer Club is very appreciative of the way that the Halifax Wanderers have become a part of the community Not only is the organization very supportive of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth. From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organization’s charitable work. Donating a suite, tickets, or merchandise to be auctioned; hosting fundraising events for the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting room at the IWK Pediatric section and donating a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host patients and families; monetary support for victims of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community.
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fifth season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Scotia. It is past time that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
Mark McFarland President, Halifax City Soccer Club
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
Please accept this letter on behalf of Halifax County United Soccer Club in support of Halifax Wanderers F C and their pursuit of a permanent stadium on the Wanderers Grounds
In 2019 when launched the CPL and the Halifax Wanderers represented a new frontier for professional soccer in Canada, and certainly here in Halifax. Accordingly the temporary facility was appropriate and prudent However over the last 5 seasons we believe that the Wanderers have proven that the appetite for professional soccer, and for this team is real, is sustainable and continues to grow. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have demonstrated their long term commitment to the sport and to our communities and the strong and growing fan support has and continues to outgrow the temporary facilities currently in use
Beyond their success on the pitch and in building a fan base the Wanderers have established themselves as important community partners They actively engage grass roots soccer clubs such as ours, as well as other charitable organizations in our city. They consistently demonstrate a commitment to growing the game, welcoming new fans and inspiring new youth to play soccer. The players, coaches and management of the Halifax Wanderers are active and engaged in building relationships in the soccer eco-system and positively impacting the broader HRM community.
The Halifax Wanderers had a vision and the courage to bring professional soccer to Halifax and both the team and the community have benefited from that foresight As such at Halifax County United Soccer Club we believe that the Wanderers and the loyal, thriving and still growing fan base merit a permanent facility befitting the best fans in the Canadian Premier League.
Sincerely,
Jamie McGinnis - HCU Executive Director
CommunityPlanningandEconomicDevelopmentStandingCommittee
RegionalCouncil
HalifaxRegionalMunicipality
CommitteeMembers:
Iamwritingtoyoutoday,asPresidentofStormSoccerClubtovoicesupportfortheHalifaxWanderersFCintheirefforts tosecuremorepermanentfacilitiesontheWanderersGrounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structuresontheWanderersGrounds.Withsomeuncertaintyoverthelong-termviabilityofprofessionalsoccerinHRM, this approach made sense at that time. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professionalsoccerbesuccessful,but itcan thrive. The HalifaxWanderers,and theCanadianPremierLeagueinwhichit competes,haveshown theyarehereforthe longhaul,and themakeshiftsetup ofbleachers,shipping containers,mobile foodvendorsandport-a-pottiesnolongermakessense
AsacommunityservicesorganizationwithinHRM,IamveryappreciativeofthewaythattheHalifaxWanderershasbecome apartofthecommunity Notonlyistheorganizationverysupportiveofthesportofsoccerinandaroundourcity,butit alsochampionsthewellbeingofouryouth.Fromappearancesbyplayers,coachingstaffandmanagementatschoolsand community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents withinHRM.
Mostimpressive isthe organization’scharitable work.Donating a suite, tickets,or merchandise to beauctioned; hosting fundraising eventsfor the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting roomatthe IWKPediatric section and donatingasuiteattheWanderersGroundstohostpatientsandfamilies;monetarysupportforvictimsoftherecentHRM fire–theseacts,andmore,showtheWandererstrulycareabouttheircommunity.
Theyear2023markstheHalifaxWanderers’fifthseasonofbringingthesportofsoccertoHRMandNovaScotia.Itispast timethattheirpermanentcommitmenttoourcommunityberecognizedwithapermanentfacilitytheycancallhome.
Sincerely,
EmmaParkington President StormSoccerClub president@stormsoccerclub.com
902-412-1822
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Commitee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Commitee Members:
I am wri�ng to you today, as The Execu�ve Director of Suburban Football Club to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facili�es on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that �me. Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshi� setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and porta-po�es no longer makes sense.
As a community services organiza�on within HRM, I am very apprecia�ve of the way that the Halifax Wanderers has become a part of the community. Not only is the organiza�on very suppor�ve of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hos�ng community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM.
Most impressive is the organiza�on’s charitable work. Dona�ng a suite, �ckets or merchandise to be auc�oned; hos�ng fundraising events for the Salva�on Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a wai�ng room at the IWK Pediatric sec�on, and dona�ng a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host pa�ents and families; monetary support for vic�ms of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community.
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fi�h season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Sco�a. It is past �me that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Jessie Burgins Execu�ve Director
Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Regional Council
Halifax Regional Municipality
Committee Members:
I am writing to you today, as Executive Director of United DFC to voice support for the Halifax Wanderers FC in their efforts to secure more permanent facilities on the Wanderers Grounds.
To begin their inaugural season in 2019, the Halifax Wanderers got permission from HRM Council to erect temporary structures on the Wanderers Grounds. With some uncertainty over the long-term viability of professional soccer in HRM, this approach made sense at that time Since then, however, the Halifax Wanderers have proven that, not only can professional soccer be successful, but it can thrive. The Halifax Wanderers, and the Canadian Premier League in which it competes, have shown they are here for the long haul, and the makeshift setup of bleachers, shipping containers, mobile food vendors and port-a-potties no longer makes sense
As a community services organization within HRM, I am very appreciative of the way that the Halifax Wanderers has become a part of the community. Not only is the organization very supportive of the sport of soccer in and around our city, but it also champions the wellbeing of our youth From appearances by players, coaching staff and management at schools and community events, to hosting community groups at home games, the Halifax Wanderers have impacted many residents within HRM
Most impressive is the organization’s charitable work. Donating a suite, tickets or merchandise to be auctioned; hosting fundraising events for the Salvation Army; sponsoring and refurbishing a waiting room at the IWK Pediatric section, and donating a suite at the Wanderers Grounds to host patients and families; monetary support for victims of the recent HRM fire – these acts, and more, show the Wanderers truly care about their community
The year 2023 marks the Halifax Wanderers’ fifth season of bringing the sport of soccer to HRM and Nova Scotia It is past time that their permanent commitment to our community be recognized with a permanent facility they can call home.
Sincerely,
David Campbell Executive Director United DFC Soccer Club
