Hard to believe with it being so quiet now on the talk of a new football team in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and that it was completely the opposite just 6 months ago. The ownership group of the potential CFL franchise of Anthony LeBlanc, Bruce Bowser, and Gary Drummond were working constantly last fall as they had their eyes set for a new stadium nearby the Dartmouth side of the Halifax Waterfront, at Shannon Park, a former residency location for the Canadian Navy, a team name for the potential football team called the Atlantic Schooners, and among other things. What has somewhat simmered down, the dialogue these last few months, is not only because of the fact we are in the mist of the CFL off season, but the fact of the unknown cost and where the funds for this potential state of the art facility will come from. There have been rumours that the Nova Scotia government could give some funds via loan guarantees, but with local citizens of the province concerned with the fact financial resources are being used to build a new stadium, rather than being allocated for other things like health care and education, the stadium has become a sore and controversial topic. Regardless where the funds come from to build the new stadium, in which also will have many other features around the property including condos, it will be costly, especially in a market that has not had CFL football played on a consistent basis. On the other hand though, if this potential CFL franchise sinks and does not work out in Halifax, it could cost the city and the province a lot more in the long term, especially when it comes to hosting potential events like national and international events in various sports. Well with that in mind, here are a couple ideas that I have that could work in not only creating a CFL franchise in Atlantic Canada’s largest city, Halifax, but make it sustainable. Both ideas in which I have could easily get the team playing sooner rather than later, but do not have them playing at the new stadium right away. Well taking a page out of the Montreal Alouettes playbook, why not have them play at the stadium where the St. Mary’s University Huskies football team plays, as the Alouettes play at McGill University. Another option is for them to play at Wanders Stadium, home to the Halifax Wanders of the Canadian Premier League. I understand in both scenarios I purpose are not anywhere close to the vision the ownership group has, but with the use of things like pop up stadiums, it could be the humble beginnings of a franchise that could work towards having their top notch vision of a stadium by the Halifax Waterfront come to life by 2025 or 2026 when Halifax could potentially get awarded the Grey Cup. In addition, I know the parking situation at either at St. Mary’s University or at Wanders Stadium would not be the greatest, but the city of Halifax and the ownership group could get creative, by having fans park in an ample parking area at a reasonable rate and then get picked up by bus to the football stadium. Even though the ultimate plan and vision by the ownership group could be delayed by a couple years, not only because of their ideas, but how long the construction of the new stadium would take, with taking my purposed ideas, it could mean not only keeping the ship afloat on the potential Atlantic Schooners franchise in the CFL, but also could mean the team playing sooner, maybe as soon as 2020, depending on when Randy Ambrosie, commissioner of the CFL decides the team will enter the league. With taking the small step approach, it could easily mean great benefits long term, as the franchise would be able to build up a massive and loyal fan base in plenty of time for when the glamorous stadium at Shannon Park is built, in which also means a better sustainable and potentially cash effective venture that would be benefical for the CFL, the province of Nova Scotia, and the city of Halifax to enjoy in the years to come. Look forward to your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments section.

Photo courtesy of CTV Atlantic

Leo Glavine- MLA Kings West

694 Main Street, Kingston, NS, “Valley arenas are live with minor hockey-be entertained this winter while supporting our youth. The next Sidney Crosby or Nathan Mackinnon maybe in your hometown.”

Middleton, NS (902)-825-5555

D’Aubin Family Meats on Facebook

Frasers on FaceBook