City, Ticats reach deal on stadium rental

The city of Hamilton and the Tiger-Cats have reached an agreement on rental terms at Tim Hortons Field.

The agreement will see the Ticats pay the city $700,000 this year – which was always to be the amount for the team’s first year. In future years, they will pay $1.4 million as part of their licensing agreement with the city.

“In 2016, the full amount of $1.4 million will be paid and this amount will continue for the duration of the 20-year agreement,” the release said.

Tim Hortons Field still has some significant deficiencies, including seats with blocked views, problems with the draft beer lines, and a host of other issues that would affect game attendees.

The statement said that the licence agreement will kick in once the 40 or so remaining deficiencies at the stadium are cleared up. The city and the Ticats will jointly pursue the stadium contractor, Ontario Sports Solutions, for claims about any incomplete work and any costs associated with further construction work.

The city is also pursuing a settlement with Ontario Sports Solutions and Infrastructure Ontario, the provincial construction agency that directed the project, over lengthy delays in completing the facility.

“The City will ensure it facilitates the resolution of the deficiencies as soon as possible and will continue to work with the Province of Ontario and the Tiger-Cats to do so,” the release said.