It's official. Essar Centre will now be named after our recycling contractor

First it was the Steelback Centre.

Then, it was the Essar Centre.

Sault Ste. Marie City Council tonight approved renaming our downtown entertainment and sports venue as GFL Memorial Gardens.

Councillors agreed to award a 10-year naming, advertising and sponsorship deal to GFL, the city's recycling contractor.

In return, the city will get $75,000 a year for 10 years and a 50 per cent discount on all waste and recycling containers.

"I like the idea of the Memorial Gardens," said Ward 4 Councillor Lou Turco.

"It's great to see GFL's name on the building," said Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Shoemaker. "I think it fits with the alternative energy capital of North America."

Shoemaker described GFL as "a great community partner."

Mayor Christian Provenzano said the contract approved tonight will be independent of GFL's recycling contract and will in no way bind the city when the recycling arrangement is up for renewal.

The city's 10-year naming rights agreement with Essar Steel Algoma Inc. expires in July.

The new deal with GFL will take effect Aug. 1.