Return to Memorial Gardens name recommended

Sault Ste. Marie City Council will be asked Monday to restore the much-loved Memorial Gardens name to our premier sports and entertainment facility.

Tom Vair, the city's deputy chief administrative officer for community development and enterprise services, says including Memorial Gardens in the facility's name doesn't appear to be a significant drawback for potential corporate sponsors.

"Further, it is felt that including Memorial Gardens recognizes the history of Sault Ste. Marie and the tribute being paid to the men and women who served in the Armed Forces," Vair says in a written report.

Vair nonetheless will ask councillors to approve a search for corporate sponsors interested in naming rights.

Essar Steel's $1.5 million naming-rights sponsorship expires on July 23, 2018. 

Essar had first right of refusal on future naming rights but could only exercise that option if it wasn't in default and provided notice 12 months in advance.

"Since neither of these conditions were met, it is the city's position that Algoma no longer has a first right of refusal on any future naming rights," Vair said.

Although in the past the city hire external help to locate naming sponsors, this time, Vair is recommending that city staff issue their own request for proposals.

The city has already received calls from corporations interested in naming rights to the facility.

Vair is suggesting a minimum of $150,000 a year for naming rights, with the length of the contract to be negotiated.

Monday's City Council meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.