Let me tell ya, folks, this is how you do it! While the Barrie Colts are battling it out in the playoffs, trying to bring home the hardware like good Canadian kids should, they’re also locking things down off the ice. News flash: the Colts and the City of Barrie are signing a brand new, 15-year lease agreement this Saturday. Fifteen years! That means the boys are staying right here in Barrie, playing at the Sadlon Arena for a long, long time. That’s commitment, folks, real commitment.
So, who are the big players here? You got the Barrie Colts, a cornerstone OHL franchise, showing they believe in this town. And you got the City of Barrie, finally making the smart play to keep their team right where they belong. This isn’t just some fly-by-night operation; the Colts have been part of the fabric here, and this deal cements that relationship for over another decade. It’s about keeping that OHL action right here for the fans.
Now, what’s the deal? It’s a big one. This isn’t just signing a piece of paper. The Barrie Colts are stepping up, contributing a whopping $8 million towards the running costs of the Sadlon Arena. Eight million! And that’s not all. They’re throwing in another $1.5 million, minimum, for improvements to the rink, adding to what they’ve already put in. This team isn’t just renting space; they’re investing in their home. That Sadlon Arena, opened back in ’96, has seen some history, and now it’s got a guaranteed future. There was talk back in 2023 about renovations, big money stuff, maybe $41 million. Well, the Colts have even agreed to chip in on capital costs if the City decides to expand down the road. Talk about being a partner!
This deal gets inked this Saturday, April 19th, 2025, setting the stage for fifteen more years of fantastic OHL hockey right here in Barrie, at the Sadlon Arena. That’s stability you can bank on. It settles all that chatter about the arena’s future and ensures the team has a solid home base. This isn’t just about today; it’s about securing the future, locking it down until nearly 2040!
Why does this matter? Are you kidding me? First off, stability for the OHL franchise. Players know where they stand, fans know the team is staying. Second, the economic impact – the City says the Colts bring in around $43 million directly. That’s huge! But it’s more than just dollars and cents. This team gives back. The new agreement includes $2 million for local charities through their foundation – they’ve already given millions over the years to food banks and hospitals. They’re putting over $1.5 million into local schools with their Adopt a School program, and another $2 million to help their players get post-secondary education. That’s building character, folks, not just hockey players.
This whole thing happened because both sides came to the table and hammered out a solid lease agreement that works for everyone. It shows what happens when a team and a city work together. It secures a vital community asset and a source of local pride.
So yeah, this is fantastic news for Barrie. The Colts are staying, they’re investing, they’re giving back. Fifteen more years locked in at the Sadlon Arena. That’s how you build a winning tradition, on and off the ice. Good on the Colts, good on the City of Barrie. That’s the way to do it!
References:
Barrie Colts to sign new long-term deal with City of Barrie
