11. GREY CUP 2004 PARTNERSHIP FUNDING

COFINANCEMENT DE LA COUPE GREY 2004

Committee Recommendations

That Council:

1. Authorize a funding contribution of $205,000 to the Ottawa Renegades Football Club to support marketing and programming efforts related to the 2004 Grey Cup; and

2. Provide Lansdowne Park and its associated facilities to the Ottawa Renegades Football Club on a cost-recovery basis for the 2004 Grey Cup game and related events as per the City’s current practice for Renegades home-games.

Recommandations du comité

Que le Conseil municipal :

1. autorise une contribution financière de 205 000 $ à l’équipe de football des Renegades d’Ottawa afin d’appuyer les efforts déployés en marketing et en programmation liés à la coupe Grey de 2004;

2. met à la disposition de l’équipe de football des Renegades d’Ottawa le parc Lansdowne et ses installations connexes selon un système de recouvrement des coûts pour le match de la coupe Grey de 2004 et les événements liés, conformément aux pratiques actuelles de la Ville en ce qui concerne les matchs des Renegades à domicile.

Documentation

1. Development Services Department General Manager's report dated 16 September 2003 (ACS2003-DEV-BUS-0013).

2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 16 September 2003.

Report to/Rapport au :

Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee

Comité des services organisationnels et du développement économique

and Council/et au Conseil

16 September 2003/ le 16 septembre 2003

Submitted by/Soumis par : Ned Lathrop, General Manager/Directeur général

Development Services Department / Services d’aménagement

Contact/Personne-ressource : Michael Murr, Acting Director, Business Development / Directeur intérimaire, développement des affaires

Telephone No.580-2424 Ext 25195, Michael.Murr@ottawa.ca

Ref N°: ACS2003-DEV-BUS-0013

SUBJECT: GREY CUP 2004 PARTNERSHIP FUNDING

OBJET : COFINANCEMENT DE LA COUPE GREY 2004

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council:

1. Authorize a funding contribution of $205,000 to the Ottawa Renegades Football Club to support marketing and programming efforts related to the 2004 Grey Cup; and

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des services organisationnels et du développement économique recommande au Conseil municipal :

1. d’autoriser une contribution financière de 205 000 $ à l’équipe de football des Renegades d’Ottawa afin d’appuyer les efforts déployés en marketing et en programmation liés à la coupe Grey de 2004;

2. de mettre à la disposition de l’équipe de football des Renegades d’Ottawa le parc Lansdowne et ses installations connexes selon un système de recouvrement des coûts pour le match de la coupe Grey de 2004 et les événements liés, conformément aux pratiques actuelles de la Ville en ce qui concerne les matchs des Renegades à domicile.

BACKGROUND

Since its beginning in 1909 when Earl Grey, the then Governor-General of Canada, donated a trophy for the Rugby Football Championship of Canada, the Grey Cup has grown to become a Canadian tradition and the most watched annual sporting event on Canadian television.

In 2002, a record audience of more than 5.2 million people watched the Grey Cup on television to see the Edmonton Eskimos lose 25-16 to the Montreal Alouettes at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. Despite the team’s loss, the Grey Cup was very successful for the City of Edmonton in terms of the economic impact and the amount of positive media coverage generated for the city.

This year the Grey Cup will be played in Regina. A sense of excitement is already building and the event is expected to continue the Grey Cup’s record of success.

Last hosted in 1988, the Grey Cup will return to Ottawa on November 21, 2004 at Frank Clair Stadium. Planning for the 92^nd annual event is already underway and the Ottawa Renegades Football Club, in its capacity as the organizer for the event, is requesting financial and in-kind support from the City of Ottawa for marketing and programming activities as well as the use of Lansdowne Park.

DISCUSSION

Over the past several years, the City has contributed to the success of a variety of major national and international events held in Ottawa. This includes the Games of la Francophonie held in July 2001, the International Plowing Match held in Navan in fall 2001, and most recently, the JUNO music awards held this past April. Collectively, these events have generated significant exposure and economic benefits for the City of Ottawa and have helped to reinforce our city’s vibrant and dynamic image.

Preliminary plans for the five-day 2004 Grey Cup extravaganza will culminate with the nationally televised Grey Cup game at Lansdowne Park on Sunday, November 21, 2004. The game itself is only one element of the celebration. Other planned activities include the CFL Awards Banquet, a Market Square Street Party, several themed dinners and breakfasts, the Grey Cup parade, a Kickin’ it in the Capital Party with a concert as well as both pre and post-game tailgate events on the day of the game. The fan base supporting these events will not only be from Ottawa, but will also come from across Canada.

The 2004 Grey Cup, along with its accompanying events and activities will generate substantial national exposure and economic benefits for the city. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people will attend the championship game, and generate over $43,000,000 in direct revenue through itemized purchases such as ticket sales, hotels and accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, retail shopping and merchandising and other attractions.

The City of Ottawa will provide a funding contribution of $205,000 to support community-oriented marketing and programming efforts related to the 2004 Grey Cup. This includes support for the Grey Cup Welcome Centre which will be located at City Hall during Grey Cup week; the Kick-off Event scheduled for November 17, 2004; the Volunteer Campaign; the provision of an OC Transpo shuttle from City Hall to Lansdowne Park; and other activities related to promoting the 2004 Grey Cup at the 2003 Grey Cup game.

The City of Ottawa will also provide Lansdowne Park and its associated facilities to the Ottawa Renegades Football Club on a cost-recovery basis for the 2004 Grey Cup game and related events as per the City’s current practice for Renegade home-games. Staff has reviewed the experiences of other host municipalities and can confirm that Ottawa’s approach is consistent with the support offered to other Grey Cup events. It is also expected that the City of Ottawa’s funding will act as a catalyst for other public and private sector sponsorship.

CONSULTATION

Consultations and negotiations have been undertaken with the Ottawa Renegades Football Club in their role as organizer of the 2004 Grey cup event. The Cities of Edmonton and Regina have also been contacted to discuss their support for, and experience with, this prestigious sporting event.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Approved Budget to Date 900,000

Total Paid and Committed (548,279)

Balance Available 351,720

THIS REQUEST (205,000)

Balance Remaining 146,720

Funds for the 2004 Grey Cup are available in the 2003 Capital Budget, Order No. 902276, Economic Affairs.

ATTACHMENTS

N/A

DISPOSITION

The Business Development Branch to take action as appropriate.