CITY OF STAFF REPORT TO COUNCIL PRINCE GEORGE 1100 Patricia Blvd. I Prince George, BC, V2L 3V9 I www.princegeorge.ca

DATE: February 14, 2019

TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL

NAME AND TITLE: ROB WHITWHAM, GENERAL MANAGER OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

SUBJECT: 2021 – National Female Midget Hockey Championship

ATTACHMENT(S): None

RECOMMENDATION(S):

That Council APPROVE financial support of the 2021 Esso Cup National Female Midget Hockey Championship of up to $38,000 for event related costs, if the event is awarded to Prince George, and that the funds come from the Major Events Reserve.

PURPOSE: BC Hockey, Regional Centre - North is seeking City of Prince George support for an intent to bid submission to for the rights to host the 2021 Esso Cup – National Female Midget Championship, which would be held from April 18 to April 24, 2021. City financial support is being requested to assist in meeting conditions of the bid.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: The 2016 – 2018 Corporate Plan contains several sections that are applicable to this report. The Social Development section contains the goals of Clear Identity and Pride and Health and Wellness. The City Government section contains the goals of Sustainable Fiscal Management and Vibrant Economy.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Cup was successfully hosted in Prince George. The represents the National (Men’s) Midget Hockey Championship. BC Hockey, through the Regional Centre - North wishes to bid on hosting the female equivalent of this event – the 2021 Esso Cup.

For the 2017 Telus Cup, Council approved funding of $58,000 for in kind support towards ice and building related costs at the CN Centre. The funds came from the Major Events Reserve. The economic impact from hosting the Telus Cup was in the range of $1.82 million.

BC Hockey, Regional Centre – North has indicated they are seeking financial support from the City of Prince George for the 2021 Esso Cup bid. The estimated economic impact of hosting the Esso Cup is $1.17 million.

Below please find descriptions of City of Prince George support that would be required to host the event.

Levels of Support

1. Staff Resources

- Exhibition Park and Community Arenas Division o assist the host committee with booking and coordination functions related to the CN Centre o assist with security and safety plans

- Community Partnerships Division o assist the host committee by attending event planning meetings as necessary and acting as City liaison

2. Subsidization

The City of Prince George owns the arena facility identified for this event and sets ice rates accordingly under the CPG Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 7557, 2004. Rates for 2021 have yet to be presented and approved by Council; however, funding in the amount of up to $38,000 is recommended to assist with event related costs at the CN Centre.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: In the event that the 2021 Esso Cup bid is successful, Administration recommends that the Major Events Reserve be used to fund the cash or in-kind commitment.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The 2021 Esso Cup is a Hockey Canada event hosted in partnership with a Host Organizing Committee. BC Hockey, Regional Centre - North has indicated they wish to submit an “intent to bid” on this event which would be hosted in Prince George.

The Esso Cup is comprised of 6 teams: the host team is joined by the 5 Regional Championship teams, representing the regions of Pacific, West, , and Atlantic.

Tourism Prince George will assist BC Hockey, Regional Centre – North with the development and submission of the bid to host which is due to Hockey Canada on April 30, 2019. The City will provide staff support to assist the host organizing committee should the 2021 ESS Cup be awarded to Prince George.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

______Rob Whitwham, General Manager of Community Services

REPORT PREPARED BY: Brad Beckett, Manager, Community Partnerships

APPROVED:

______Kathleen Soltis, City Manager Meeting date: February 25, 2019

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