Goldeyes stadium lease takes another hit

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/10/2020 (2048 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mayor’s inner circle has rejected a proposal for the next Winnipeg Goldeyes stadium lease, though the matter still awaits a final council vote.

Prior to Tuesday’s hotly debated four-to-three vote against the proposed lease by the executive policy committee, the members of council delayed the matter to seek more financial information from the team.

The Goldeyes have detailed some parking revenue and facility costs. But Mayor Brian Bowman accused the team of failing to explain why it needs access to millions of dollars in parking revenues and tax subsidies from the city.

“If you’re asking for public tax dollars to flow to a private organization, there needs to be… public scrutiny to a much greater extent,” said Bowman.

Bowman and Couns. Matt Allard, Sherri Rollins and Cindy Gilroy opposed the lease, while Couns. Brian Mayes, Jeff Browaty and Scott Gillingham voted in favour.

The latest Shaw Park lease proposal would provide the Goldeyes annual grants that equal the amount of entertainment tax the club pays each year, plus the municipal portion of property taxes for the ballpark until Nov. 14, 2029.

The team’s current $1-per-year city lease would be replaced with an annual rent that ranges from $75,000 to $95,000.

Supporters of the lease argued it would secure a better deal for the city and help ensure Winnipeg isn’t left with an empty downtown baseball stadium.

Mayes (St. Vital) said he’s still hopeful that council will cast a final vote in favour of the lease.

“I think this vote at council will determine the fate of the Goldeyes… I think there’s a way we can find a deal,” said Mayes.

In addition to the current lease terms, the Goldeyes have pushed to ensure the tax grants and certain parking lot revenues continue throughout the entire lease and any extensions.

Sam Katz, owner and president of the Winnipeg Goldeyes, has said those items are key to striking a deal.

On Tuesday, Katz said he’s “encouraged” to see some EPC support for a new lease. He noted he won’t make any decisions about the team’s future until after the final council vote.

“Council makes the final decision. So we’ll wait to see what council decides (on Oct. 29),” said Katz, a former Winnipeg mayor.

He said the Goldeyes promptly shared non-proprietary financial information with the city, deeming any claims to the contrary to be inaccurate. 

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga