The Toronto Argos have signed a deal to stay at Rogers Centre until the end of 2017 season but must leave after that, clearing the way for the Blue Jays to get a grass field.

“The parties involved have agreed that no licence renewal past that date is contemplated,” the CFL club said in a statement released Friday.

Blue Jays and Rogers Centre president and CEO Paul Beeston said in a statement he was pleased with the deal.

“We are pleased to have concluded what has been a very amicable negotiation with the Argonauts resulting in an agreement that is fair for both the Blue Jays and the Argonauts,” Beeston said. “The length of the deal allows the Argonauts a reasonable period of time to pursue other stadium options while allowing us sufficient time to plan the logistics of various stadium improvements including the installation of a grass playing surface for baseball at Rogers Centre.”

The Argos will now have four years to find a new home.

“The Argos look forward to the process of developing and implementing a plan for a new home for the team while we continue to be a cornerstone tenant of the stadium that has been our home since its opening in 1989,” said Argos CEO Chris Rudge.

The Argos contemplated moving to Varsity Stadium at the University of Toronto in the early 2000s, but the project didn’t pan out. Varsity has since been demolished.

MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke discussed the possibility of the Argos moving into BMO field last month on a conference call but TFC fans were upset by the possibility.

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon, noting a number of new CFL stadiums under construction, told the Star earlier this month the league is building for the future and a long-term, secure plan for the Argos must be part of the plan.

“In the short term, the Argos are working with Rogers Centre on a lease for the next several years,” said Cohon. “As part of this stadium renaissance, we also have to consider the long-term stadium plan for the Argos.”

Rudge earlier said the Argos only just got serious about searching for a new home within the last six months.

“It’s in our interest to make things happen as soon as possible,” said Rudge.

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