Kelowna 'exploring its options' on condition of Prospera Place

Photo: Kelowna Rockets

Kelowna's mayor says the city is "exploring its options" when it comes to the state of Prospera Place.

The keys of the arena, which opened its doors in 1999, will be turned over to the city in 2029 as per the public-private partnership between the city and GSL Group which built, owns and operates it.

But, it's a statement from the Kelowna Rockets last Friday night which is of concern to the mayor.

The statement, released moments after the Kamloops Blazers were awarded the 2023 Memorial Cup, suggested the Rockets were unable to bid on the event because of "significant deficiencies" in the building pertaining to new guidelines imposed on potential host teams by the Canadian Hockey League.

"The city is a signatory to this agreement," Colin Basran told Castanet News, referencing the public-private partnership.

"Without getting into too much details because it does involve legal, we are certainly exploring our options in terms of what we are able to do to perhaps get to a place where the operator can bring the building up to a standard so we can host this event (Memorial Cup) again."

The statement indicated an agreement between GSL, the city and the Rockets could not be reached for the necessary capital improvements.

While nothing specific has been revealed, it's believed upgrades to lighting to accommodate television and additional dressing rooms are on the list of necessary upgrades.

GSL Group, in a statement emailed to Castanet, says they are also disappointed the 2023 Memorial Cup will not be coming to Kelowna, but indicated it was "committed to making every effort to meet the updated Memorial Cup specific standard set out by the CHL."

"But, ultimately, the Rockets decided not to proceed with the bid, as is their right as the CHL team," the statement added.

"Prospera Place and GSL Group have been, and continue to be, in compliance with our obligations and contractual agreements. This will not change, nor will our commitment to Kelowna."

Basran says as the city tries to find a way to move the process along, the bigger picture is the state of the building in seven years and whether there will be a main tenant.

"At the end of the day what council needs to be mindful of is that we are going to inherit a building in seven years, and what we don't want to do is inherit a building that's going to require taxpayers to invest heavily into it...but we also want to make sure that building has a tenant.

"If we continue down this path, what are the possibilities we may inherit a building that not only requires significant upgrades, but doesn't have an anchor tenant. I would say that is a major concern and should be a concern for our residents."

Basran says he has no reason to believe the Rockets will leave, but says it is always a possibility, adding he would obviously like to see their long-term future in Kelowna secured.

"Being in a first class building is going to be part of that, and unfortunately right now, we don't have that first class building."

GSL argued Prospera Place is an award-winning building, recognized as a pioneer for small market venues in North America. It was the first to add features such as private suites and a restaurant with a view of the bowl.

"Since opening our doors in 1999, we have brought, and will continue to bring, notable sporting events and entertainment acts to fans in the area, helping make Kelowna a world-class arts, culture and sporting destination."