A big thank you to all of you who have supported Saving the Oval through signing the petition, joining Facebook groups, talking to their Councillor, or just spreading the good word. Much has been accomplished, and the Oval is a reality! We look forward to seeing you out there very soon.

Despite these accomplishments however, City Council (by a 12-11 vote) has recently rejected a $400,000 offer from Molson Coors Canada towards supporting the overall Oval project, in exchange for naming rights on the neighbouring Events Plaza (not the Oval itself). Much hard work went into asking our two corporate partners, Emera and Molson Coors to come to the table, work together on co-sponsoring, and make the Oval the best year round facility it could be. Less funding may risk important parts of the project or put more burden on HRM taxpayers.

Unfortunately, critics of this sponsorship have made their arguments against sponsorship of the Oval, (the details of which have not been fully made public), all about the potential for some Molson Coors signs to encourage underage drinking. Simply, we as a group feel that this argument does not make any sense. The City every year takes money from beer companies for Natal Day, Canada Day, (both have beer sales) and just last week, the tree lighting ceremony. The City owned Metro Centre is covered in beer and alcohol signs, and once again, alcohol sales happen in the presence of families. Let us also remember that we watch TV and sports programs which also feature alcohol ads, and still manage to provide our own children with responsible education on proper alcohol consumption.

With all this discussion about the harm of seeing a sign at an Oval where no alcohol is being served, some have forgotten about the massive health benefits of getting exercise, spending time with family, and providing a venue for kids and teenagers to participate in a great activity and stay away from more harmful ones. There is ample evidence to back up these benefits and this story has been missing in the debate.

This is also very much a taxpayer and public rights issue. Our society has decided that alcohol is legal and that it should be taxed, with the proceeds used to fund public programs. Until we decide as a society that we are going to turn away from our current laws and return to prohibition, we must be realistic and use good corporate money for a great public project. At a minimum we must have debates that affect an important public facility and taxpayers dollars in public for all to hear.

We call on City Council, when they meet on Tuesday, to vote to reconsider their decision. A positive vote would not approve the sponsorship, but allow for a full, hopefully public debate where all the facts and information can be properly and completely presented. To those who may still be against sponsorship, voting to reconsider only means putting it back on the table for an open debate, which we believe is still the right thing to do with any issue.

So, please call your councillor and share your support for full funding for the Oval and either thank them for their support, or politely encourage them to reconsider.

How can you get in touch with your councillor?

Download a spreadsheet with contact info for all districts

Or, leave your opinion with the media

Email your Opinion to the Chronicle Herald

Talk Radio
Jordi Morgan at Maritime Morning 405-6000
Rick Howe Afternoon Show 405-6000

The Save the Oval Association today commended Halifax Regional Municipality staff’s recommedation to keep the North Common Skating Oval free to the public in it’s current location and current size configuration.

The report is to be presented on Tuesday to HRM Council.

“The staff report is a a thoughtful document which examines the social.,community, and economic impact of the Oval and clearly outlines why the project has become so popular and so important for the community,” said President Andrew Feenstra.

“The report highlights total usage by over 100,000 people in the winter season with daily usage of 3,500-5000 persons per day, an incredible number. The report goes on to highlight a very thorough list of 17 reasons why the oval is so popular,” added Downtown Councillor Dawn Sloane.

• It provides an opportunity for accessible, healthy outdoor physical activity in the winter;
• It provides an opportunity for unstructured and spontaneous recreation, especially for multi-generational families;
• People enjoy the festival-like atmosphere that comes with the large well-behaved crowds;
• A sense of community pride and excitement that a vibrant urban space exists, especially in winter, where diverse people can spontaneously gather and comfortably interact;
• “People watching”, laughing, smiling, having fun, talking to strangers;
• It’s free and doesn’t exclude any one;
• There are too few hours available at indoor rinks for public skating;
• Availability of free skates and helmets for those who don’t own this equipment;
• Free skating instruction and skate aids;
• Reliable and safe outdoor ice when the region’s lakes and rivers are not safe to skate on;
• The oval’s large size and shape (equivalent to 3 NHL rinks) provides a more enjoyable skating experience than a typical indoor rink;
• Nostalgia for a Canadian winter experience which was common when winters were colder;
• New immigrants can participate in a uniquely Canadian pastime with fellow citizens;
• Skating is enjoyable regardless of skill level;
• People feel safe on the Commons at night for the first time;
• People enjoy seeing neighbouring streets animated with pedestrians going to and from the oval with skates over their shoulder;
• and Central location.

“These reasons are very thorough and accurate, and reflect something so rare in a community project: something that works for almost the entire population,” added Association Spokesperson John Gillis. “It is also very important to note that the report comments on the importance of landscaping, and integrating the Oval into multi-purpose and year round use of the Common.”

The report goes on to provide a detailed analysis of why the North Common site is preferable to other options including the Wanderer’s and Garrison Grounds and the Central Common. “HRM staff did indeed consider these other locations but provided good reasons for not moving the Oval,” said Feenstra. “For example, the other sites would have required a smaller track which would not have acccomodated all the people, would not have permitted Speed Skating Competititions, or would have required moving or changing existing facilities like the Wanderer’s Rugby/Football field, tennis courts or the Canada Games ball diamond.”

In terms of cost, Gillis commented that,”the proposal represents a lot of money but as noted in the report, we believe that this is money well spent for all the recreation, health, and economic benefits associated with the Oval. In addition, over $1 million has been raised to help with the costs and community and business partners will continue to work to raise funds to make the project sustainable.”

The Save the Oval Assocation urges citizens to come to the Grand Parade between 9:30 and 10:00 am on Tuesday and wear a toque or bring your skates to show your support for Saving the Oval and urges Councillors to support the excellent HRM Staff report and Save the Oval.

March 28, 2011

The Save the Oval Association called Monday on citizens to show their support for Saving the Oval in advance of Tuesday’s 10 am HRM Council presentation and debate on the future of the Oval.

“We are asking citizens to join us in the Grand Parade in front of City Hall between 9:30 and 10:00 am to show their support for keeping the Oval,” said Save the Oval Spokesperson John Gillis.

“To show your support, wear a toque or carry your skates Tuesday morning, to the Grand Parade or to work,” added Association President Andrew Feenstra.

Gillis also announced that local Businessman Tim Leslie of Motovan Corp. (Nova Scotia Motorcyle dealers) has offered 500 helmets to be provided free of charge at the Oval facility when it remains open next year. Leslie and the Save the Oval Association decided to challenge the community and business to collect another 500 helmets and 1000 pairs of skates.

“When you come down to City Hall, please bring new or like new skates or new helmets toward our goal of 1000 pair of skates and helmets by ice time next season,” said Leslie.

Any people or businesses that would like to donate funds or equipment please skate up to our challenge. We challenge all citizens and businesses to make our city centre a place for everyone to enjoy,” he added

The Association and Leslie will be collecting skates and helmets between 9 am and 12 noon Tuesday at City Hall in conjunction with the rally for the Oval. Leslie will be coordinating opportunities to drop off skates and helmets at selected Powersports dealers across Nova Scotia, like Route 1 Motorsports in Lower Sackville.

“Individual and corporate support toward the Save the Oval initiative has been amazing,” added Gillis, “but we must show Council one more time just how important Saving the Oval is to our community.”

“Saving the Oval has vast community support and over $1 million has been pledged toward keeping it, but hearing from the community once again and collecting some much need equipment will send a great message to Council as they start their debate,” concluded Feenstra.

Halifax-based energy and services company Emera Inc. has offered $500,000 toward maintaining a skating oval on the Halifax Common, the Save the Oval Association announced Saturday.

The donation means that over $1 million has been pledged. Earlier, Molson Coors Canada said it would contribute $400,000 toward the Oval, while a $100,000 commitment has come from the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships Legacy Fund.

“This incredible offer by Emera reflects a major community leadership initiative,” said Save the Oval Fundraising Director Dr. John Gillis. “Emera and Molson have made major commitments to making sure that something so widely appreciated in our community will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.”

“We are especially proud that two large companies, Emera and Molson have put the project and the community first by working together to Save the Oval,” added Save the Oval Association President Andrew Feenstra.

Feenstra was joined at the announcement at the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame by Rob Bennett, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power.

“Emera is proud to be Nova Scotian and proud to be a corporate citizen in Halifax,” said Mr. Bennett. “We have hundreds of employees in the greater Halifax area, and I know many of them have skated at the Oval. We’re pleased to be part of a growing community effort to keep the Oval open to the public for future use and enjoyment.”

“We hope our commitment will assist council members as they consider options for the future of the Oval.”

Brian Harriman, VP Atlantic of Molson Coors who also attended the announcement, concurred. “For 225 years Molson has made a priority of seeing community projects like this one move forward. In this case we’re happy to work with both the Save the Oval Association and the other corporate sponsors to put the project first for the people of Halifax.” Harriman confirmed that Molson Coors has committed a total of $400,000 towards the Oval project, with $225,000 up front and the balance over three years.

A survey last month by Corporate Research Associates found that 84% of HRM residents either completely or mostly support keeping the Oval. About one-third of those surveyed reported that they or a family member used the Oval while it was open to the public this winter.

“This is amazing news, but a decision has not been made. We look forward to working with Emera, Molson Coors, and the World Figure Skating Legacy Fund, other community partners, and HRM to finalize a plan for making the Oval permanent,” concluded Gillis.

About Emera
Emera Inc. is a growing energy and services company with $6.3 billion in assets and revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera’s strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of the clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. Its largest wholly-owned subsidiary is Nova Scotia Power which provides more than 95% of generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power to 486,000 customers in the province. Nova Scotia Power has 1,900 employees and $3.5 billion in assets. Emera shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol EMA. Additional Information can be accessed at www.emera.com .

About Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian lager has been a staple in the Canadian beer landscape for over fifty years, providing generations of Canadians with clean, crisp refreshment. Made using Canadian water, prairie barley and no preservatives in six locations across the country this award-winning beer is recognized as a symbol of Canadian beer distinction around the globe. With roots dating back to 1786 and a time-honoured tradition of brewing quality beers, Molson Coors Canada is proud to be the nation’s pre-eminent brewer

“We have been working closely with community and corporate partners for several months to built a coalition of support to make sure the Oval is Saved,” said Dr. John Gillis, Save the Oval Fundraising Coordinator and Spokesperson. “The large donation which will be announced Saturday is amazing by itself, but even more impressive as it reflects the willingness of two corporate entitites to work together for the best interest of the community.”

Brian Harriman, VP Atlantic of Molson Coors, concurred. “For 225 years Molson has made a priority of seeing community projects like this one move forward. In this case we’re happy to work with both the Save the Oval Association and the other corporate sponsors to put the project first for the people of Halifax.” Harriman confirmed that Molson Coors has committed a total of $400,000 towards the Oval project, with $225,000 up front and the balance over three years.

“This announcement will provide a significant increase to the total funds pledged to the Oval,” said Save the Oval Association President Andrew Feenstra. “With massive community support of 84% as reported by Corporate Research Associates, the health and community benefits of the Oval, and this massive support package, we hope HRM Council will see how important and how viable it is to Save the Oval,” added Feenstra.

“We have come a long way in building community and corporate support but the decision is not yet made,” said Gillis. “We ask all citizens to spread the word, talk to their Councillor, and help us make sure that when the matter is discussed at Council, the only option is not IF, but HOW to make the Oval a permanent legacy for everyone to enjoy for years to come,” concluded Gillis.

Coffee and light refreshments will be served from 10 am. Please use Metro Centre Box Office entrances off Duke or Carmichael Streets to access the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.

Our friends at Corporate Research Associates conducted a poll that shows that in HRM overall, 84% of residents surveyed either “completely support” or “mostly support” keeping the oval. Given that only 30% of respondents had either used or had a household member use the Oval, this is pretty fantastic.

For more information, please download the report.

As you may also be aware, HRM has a webcam setup on the Oval. It’s pretty fantastic too. The non Java version refreshes less frequently, but the images are pretty much the same, and it doesn’t crash your browser as much as Java tends to.

I’ll be updating this list as more posts become available.

Why I think we should Save the Oval – Natalie Joan

The Bees Knees: The Halifax Oval – This Needs to Stop

Caught Up In The Oval: Spin-offs and Community-based Thinking – Dynamic Hosting

Halifax Skating Oval Canada Winter Games – East Coast Proud

Living the Cause Lifestyle – Wry and Ginger

‘Oval’ Due – Inspired by Gladys

Oval too great to give up – Alison Delory

When in Canada, strap on your skates – William Murray

The Oval – East Coast by Choice

Last week we were approached by the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships Legacy Fund administrators, some fantastic women who organized and executed this event over two decades ago. These women were able to keep a quarter million dollars of the profit from their event and through wise investment have doled out over half a million dollars to various skating groups and events.

This group has committed $100,000 over a number of years, no strings attached to the Oval.

Our association and users of the oval wish to express our sincere gratitude to these women for their amazing commitment to the community. Thank you!

John-Paul (JP) Cody-Cox, CEO of Speed Skating Canada, to Make Statement Regarding Saving the Oval

UPDATE DETAILS

Petition Presentation
Location: Steps of City Hall
Time: 12:45 pm

Featuring: Members of the Save the Oval Association and Supporters, Councillor Dawn Sloane

Media Availability/ Press Conference

Location: Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, 1800 Aryle Street
Time: 12:55 pm

Featuring: $100,000 funding announcement for Oval and statement from John-Paul (JP) Cody-Cox, CEO, Speed Skating Canada, followed by Q and A session as required

Original Press Release

The Save the Oval Association will go to City Hall on Tuesday to present a petition with over 9,000 signatures in support of Saving the Oval on the Halifax Common to HRM Council. At 12:45 p.m. in front of City Hall, The Association will formally hand the petition to Halifax Downtown Councillor Dawn Sloane for presentation to Council.

“This petition reflects the overwhelming support that exists all over HRM and beyond for keeping this wonderful community centre piece for use for many years to come,” said Save the Oval Association President Andrew Feenstra. “We have received signatures of support from all over Canada and Beyond.”

Councillor Sloane expressed her excitement over the petition and highlighted its importance. “This petition will send a powerful message to Council that people from all over the municipality see the value and importance of the Oval and want to see it stay,” said Sloane. “Hopefully this will add to the momentum at Council to come up with the right plan to make the Oval sustainable and practical for years to come.”

After the petition is presented, the Association will hold a brief press conference to reveal the details of a signficant funding commitment which was first announced last week. “As noted last week, we will reveal the details of an incredible commitment in the neighborhood of $100,000 toward the ongoing operation of the Oval,” said Save the Oval Fundraising Director Dr. John Gillis

The Save the Oval Association has also raised over $3000 from individual donations from many donors from a variety of locations. Gillis also expressed his pleasure at the new commitments of support which are coming every day.

“I was very pleased to see my colleagues Dr. John Ross and Dr. Dale Clayton highlight the important health benefits the Oval can provide in an article in the Chronicle Herald, and make a major commitment of $1,000 each of their own money toward Saving the Oval,” said Gillis. “We will work with these physicians to engage the broader health care community and others to take Dr. Ross and Dr. Clayton’s challenge of matching the $1,000 donations.”

Gillis also noted a recent commitment of $25,000 from the Nova Scotia Home Builders Association. “The Nova Scotia Home Builders Association is pleased to commit $5,000 per year over 5 years to make sure the Save the Oval project has sustainable funding and goes forward for the community. This is a wonderful initiative and we challenge other businesses and associations to follow our lead in helping to Save the Oval,” said Paul Pettipas, CEO of the Nova Scotia Home Builders Association.

“We will continue to work hard to bring as many individuals, groups, and business to the table to create a strong coalition and plan to Save the Oval,” said Feenstra. “With the levels of support we are seeing with the petition and funding commitments, we hope to make it very hard for the city to say no, and as easy as possible for them to come up with a sustainable plan to Save the Oval,” concluded Feenstra.

For more information, check www.savetheoval.ca

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contact
John Gillis 488 5445 (main contact)
Andrew Feenstra 240 2397