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There will be blades on the ice again at Toronto’s storied Maple Leaf Gardens, Sun Media has learned.
The federal government is contributing $20 million toward the $60-million plan to turn the hockey shrine into an athletic facility, rink and grocery store, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced Tuesday.
"For nearly 80 years, Maple Leaf Gardens has been at the heart of Toronto's sporting and cultural landscape. It's a shame that it's sitting empty," said the source. "It's time the former home of Leafs Nation once again welcomes, excites and inspires. Tomorrow, Ryerson University, Loblaws and the federal government will all say yes to the revitalization of Maple Leaf Gardens."
A Loblaws grocery store is also part of the overall plan.
The federal government will pay one-third of Ryerson's total eligible project costs up to $20 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Federal funding would be through the national $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) and is conditional on the project meeting all program requirements and the signing of a contribution agreement with Ryerson University.
“With today’s announcement we’re keeping Maple Leaf Gardens as a special place for generations of Canadians to come,” Flaherty said.
“This centre will generate excitement across the Greater Toronto Area. It will create jobs in the Toronto region once it’s completed.”
The feds had been mulling a proposal for months to bring the iconic downtown building back to life for months.
“We are bringing Maple Leaf Gardens back to life,” said Ryerson president Sheldon Levy.
“Our varsity sports and athletics will have the facilities and opportunities to excel.”
In October, Levy told the Toronto Sun the $100 million renovation could be complete by 2011, and work could begin as early as December if the feds were quick to the table.
Mayor David Miller said he was crossing his fingers the feds would pony up the cash to restore the prime property.
Loblaws has said it will maintain the existing facades of the arena, as well as existing rooflines with the majority of development taking place within the building’s interior.
The sports centre will cover 150,000 square feet and, in addition to the rink, will host a four-lane, 200-metre running track, basketball and volleyball courts with telescoping bleachers, a fitness centre, a gym and academic space.
kathleen.harris@sunmedia.ca
With files from The Canadian Press