Hockey tournaments prompt calls for $1M in WFCU Centre upgrades

Windsor city staff are asking to spend nearly $1 million for upgrades to the WFCU Centre in order to prepare for events like next year's Memorial Cup hockey tournament.

• Windsor Spitfires to host 2017 Memorial Cup
• Windsor officially backs Memorial Cup bid with $30K

A report going to council next week outlines the costs for creating features like a new media platform, new rink boards and glass as well as additional dressing rooms at an estimated cost of $990,000.

"Not addressing these concerns could impact negatively on the city's ability to attract future events and deliver an exceptional experience for already booked major events," the report states.

Earlier this month, the city also approved $150,000 to outfita backup generator at the WFCU Centre to avoid any potentially embarrassing power outages during the upcoming FINA swimming championships.

Major hockey tournaments coming

The WFCU Centre will host the Mastercard Memorial Cup in May of next year and officials are hoping to a joint bid with London will bring the 2018-2019 World Junior Hockey Championship to both cities.

• Windsor to spend $400K on World Junior Hockey Championship

The staff report indicates the IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship would drawthousands of spectators and 200 athletes from 10 countries with games broadcast on major network television.

City staff visited Red Deer, Alta. for the 2016 Master Card Memorial Cup to get a better understanding of infrastructure needs for major tournaments.

Here's a breakdown of the proposed spending:

• Media Platform above Suite Level $250,000
• NewRinkboardsand Glass $220,000
• Additional Dressing Room with showers $165,000
• PaintWFCUCentre $75,000
• Parking Flow Improvements $60,000
• Hardwire Internet and Electrical $25,000
• New Rubber Flooring $20,000
• Add'l Project Costs/Contingency Funds $175,000