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THE ARENA


SITE PLAN APPLICATION APPROVAL

With the GTA Centre in Markham, Ontario, GTA Sports & Entertainment (GTASE) is developing the premier multi-purpose, NHL-sized arena in Canada. The state-of-the-art facility would welcome more than 130 events annually, including international sports and entertainment attractions, large-scale productions and theatre-style shows. The GTA Centre would also host civic and cultural celebrations, trade shows, conventions, and a wide-array of Markham community functions.

Following the City of Markham’s approval of the GTA Centre Site Plan Application on January 29, 2013, construction of the facility would proceed once a public private partnership (PPP) agreement is signed with the City of Markham.

In the meantime, GTASE will continue to work with City Council to reach a positive outcome for this project and looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant community.

PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP


GTA Sports and Entertainment is continuing the very public process with the City of Markham regarding a public private partnership (PPP), which is the next step required before construction of the GTA Centre can begin in the very near future.

PPP's are commonplace throughout Canada and have been used to build major infrastructure projects like Viva Rapid Transit and Highway 407. Both of these developments benefit Markham residents and businesses as would the GTA Centre.

There will be ZERO PERCENT TAX INCREASE to the property owners of Markham and no property tax revenue will go towards paying for the GTA Centre's $325 million construction costs.

Click here to view the details of the PPP proposal and to download the relevant slides from the presentation prepared by the City of Markham for the City Council meeting on January 29, 2013.

Benefits to markham


The Markham community would benefit in a variety of ways from the development of the GTA Centre. According to consultants hired by the City of Markham, these benefits would include:








Arena specifications

  • Capacity for up to 20,000 seats with great sightlines for hockey, concerts, and other large-scale productions
  • Scaled-down layouts capable of hosting theatre-style shows and a wide-range of community events
  • 700,000 gross square feet of indoor space
  • 6,000 parking spaces with an additional 8,000 spaces in the surrounding development
  • Over 125 corporate suites located closer to the action than similar venues
  • Fine dining restaurants and stylish lounges
  • Cutting edge media and production facilities
  • Vibrant acoustics and high-tech sound system
  • State-of-the-art television broadcast facilities
  • Special focus placed on high-quality concert atmosphere for patrons and artists

Arena Location


The GTA Centre will be located in Markham, Ontario – at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with a population of more than six million people. The City of Markham is one of Ontario's fastest growing municipalities and home to over 400 corporate head offices and 900 high-tech and life science companies.









LOCATION WITHIN MARKHAM CENTRE

Designed as an architectural landmark, the GTA Centre would anchor Markham Centre, a mixed development featuring retail stores, restaurants and bars, office space, hotels and condominiums. The arena would be built on the north side of Highway 407 between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road. It would be easily accessible via public transportation using the Unionville GO Station and VIVA bus service.





What people are saying


Paul Kelly, former Executive Director
National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA)

“The GTA is at the centre of the hockey universe, but is underserviced in ice hockey. This is good for the NHL and good for the citizens of Markham. I am confident if you build it, they will come.”
Paul Kelly, former Executive Director
National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA)

Frank E. Russo Jr., Senior Vice President
Global Spectrum

“As we have said on many occasions, an NHL team is not required for this arena to succeed financially, though it is a worthy goal that we hope to one day achieve.”
Frank E. Russo Jr., Senior Vice President
Global Spectrum

Brenda Andress, Commissioner 
Canadian Women's Hockey League

“I can tell you sincerely that the day I met Graeme Roustan, he listened to our vision and responded with support, giving our players hope that there were people out there ready to believe in our dream when so many others had not yet.”
Brenda Andress, Commissioner 
Canadian Women's Hockey League

David Black, Owner
The Monopoly Group

“Some people think this will be paid for through taxes. It’s paid for through a development levy. And development is OK with that. We don’t get opportunities like this every day. Some councilors believe all of Markham is against this plan. They’re wrong. You can’t just listen to the few.”
David Black, Owner
The Monopoly Group

Bob Nicholson, President and CEO
Hockey Canada

“It is great to hear that a new facility will be built in Markham. Now more notable players such as Steve Stamkos will continue to come out of the Markham area.”
Bob Nicholson, President and CEO
Hockey Canada
"It was -18 Celsius on January 10th, 2009 in Red Square and Graeme was out there on the ice as my winger. Some would say that he was out of his element, on the ice with a famous Russian hockey player and playing in front of adoring fans. But Graeme was in his element as a team player."
Igor Larionov
Three-time Stanley Cup Champion and HHOF Member

SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT

View letter from Global Spectrum to Mayor Frank Scarpitti and city councillors

View letter from PCL Constructors Canada to Graeme Roustan

View letter from former NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly to Mayor Frank Scarpitti and city councillors

View letter from Igor Larionov, three-time Stanley Cup Champion and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, to Mayor Frank Scarpitti


View letter from Jeff Mumford, Vice President & General manager of Honeywell Limited, to W. Graeme Roustan

View letter from Brian Lawton, current Sportsnet NHL analyst and former player, agent, and GM, to Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

View letter from Ross Pellizzari, President of Avaya Canada, to Mayor Frank Scarpitti

View letter from the Markham Board of Trade to Mayor Frank Scarpitti

View full-page ad from local Markham developers which appeared in the Markham Economist & Sun

View letter from the Canadian Women's Hockey League to Mayor Frank Scarpitti and city councillors

View letter from Hon. John McCallum, M.P. for Markham-Unionville, to Mayor Frank Scarpitti and city councillors

View letter from Hon. Michael Chan, M.P.P. for Markham-Unionville, to Markham Town Clerk Kimberly Kitteringham

View letter from Mike Liut, Octagon Hockey's Managing Director and former Associate Counsel at the NHLPA, to Mayor Frank Scarpitti