Dear HRM CPED Committee Members:
Re- Wanderers Grounds – FHC Comments
FHC’s FOIPOP information received Sept 11and attached below shows that the Wanderers Grounds was used almost exclusively by Derek Martin/SEA activities with virtually nothing for amateur players. This is similar to two previous FOIPOPs. Martin/SEA private-for-profit stadium is consistently shutting out amateur players year after year.
ARG-23.24-00118 – Response Letter 00118 – Responsive Record (In Full)

HRM’s 2017 staff report wrote:◦ The Wanderers Grounds was fully used to its full capacity (75% due to poor field conditions) by amateur players—football, touch football, rugby, frisbee, soccer, lacrosse- kids to adults, all genders and all amateur players. 
◦ A professional soccer team if successful would need to find another location to continue.
◦ No park space was to be lost if this trial ‘pop-up’ stadium was successful
◦ The Wanderers Grounds would be part of the Halifax Common Master Plan consultation but HRM staff steadfastly refused to include the Wanderers Grounds/Wanderers Block in any and all public consultation/engagement
◦ Martin/SEA temporary ‘pop-up stadium’ was to be removed at the end of each season but HRM changed the contract to let his stadium and stuff stay so it was never removed. 

Economics:

In preparation for the private club’s venture
• HRM used ~$800,000 – $1million of public tax dollars to pay to upgrade the Field, for lights, scoreboard etc. HRM continues to pay on-going utilities. 
• The initial field fee was $1200/game, subsequently $1400, $2400 and now $2600. 
• The land is Halifax Common land given ‘to and for the use of the inhabitants of the town of Halifax as Common, forever.’
• The value of the land is irreplaceable (St Pat’s was sold a few years ago for $37m), essentially Martin/SEA is looking for a land donation to a private company, off loading the capital cost of land acquisition to the public.
• Bill Black’s comments on a 2011 Stadium study are relevant; money spent would be spent in any case and generate just as much economic activity and tax revenue, not because there is a stadium. https://newstartns.ca/2011/11/29/stadium-studies-phase-2/

HRM’s Centre Plan will increase the population of the Halifax Peninsula by thousands but it isn’t adding new green or play space. 

Less than 20% of the Halifax Common remains as public open space. Covid showed us how important access to public parks and green space is for our health and well-being.

On behalf of Friends of the Halifax Common, I respectfully request that you do not extend the private-for-profit use of the Wanderers Field, historically used and now needed more than ever for amateur players and public good. 

Thank you,
Howard Epstein 
Director, Friends of Halifax Common