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Vancouver Sun
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Ottawa Senators preparing a bid for 2028 World Cup of Hockey
The Ottawa Senators would welcome the opportunity to play host to the best hockey players in the world. As the National Hockey League off-season shifts into high gear, the Senators will spend part of the next few weeks preparing a bid to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey in February at the Canadian Tire Centre. The eight-team tournament will return for the first time since 2016 and is expected to be held over 12 days. The host selection process for cities in North America and across Europe opened last week with the NHL and NHL Players' Association accepting expressions of interest. The deadline for teams on this side of the ocean to express interest is July 18th, while in Europe, it's July 30th. The final selection of the host cities will be made early in 2026. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Cyril Leeder, the Senators' president and chief executive officer, confirmed in an interview with Postmedia that the organization will throw its hat in the ring to host the best-on-best tourney. Ottawa was among the host cities when the Canadian Tire Centre first opened in 1996. The club has already reached out to Ottawa City Hall, Ottawa Tourism and representatives of the province to see if they are interested in being part of the bid process with the Senators. 'We're definitely going to bid,' Leeder said before the first round of the NHL draft on the weekend. 'We're going to respond to the expression of interest by July 18, and we've already talked to a few folks locally to say, 'Hey, look, there is a bid coming, if you're interested, we need to get our act together and put forward our best position. '' Time is of the essence because the NHL and NHLPA plan to decide which cities will advance to the request for proposal process in August. It has been made clear that this tournament isn't just about what's happening on the ice; there also have to be activities away from the rink. The league and the players will identify preferred sites, but want bids that 'present a compelling and distinctive vision for the tournament.' There will be 17 games in two host cities, which will include the round-robin along with the semifinal and final in one location. 'The World Cup of Hockey is a showcase of international hockey at the highest level, and we are thrilled to begin the host city selection process for 2028,' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. 'This tournament offers cities a chance to be part of something truly global, while delivering meaningful economic and cultural benefits in return.' The Senators understand what it takes to host this kind of event. The club can offer Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, the world's longest skating rink, as a backdrop for activities downtown. The club also hosted Team Canada's training camp at the Canadian Tire Centre and some exhibition games before the last World Cup of Hockey was held in 2004. Leeder said the competition will be fierce, especially after we saw the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston in February. That was the first time the best players in the world played internationally since the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. The NHL and the International Olympic Committee just signed an agreement to have league players participate in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina, Italy and in 2030 in the French Alps. 'We've got a good track record, but I mean this is going to be a big event, right?' Leeder said. 'There are going to be 32 teams interested in hosting games. And, it doesn't sound like there will be a whole lot of sites. 'They're going to look to Europe. But at the end of the day, it'll come down to what makes the most sense to put on the best event. That will be outside of our control as a bidder.' The city and organization are coming off one of the most successful IIHF world junior championships in the history of the tourney over the holiday season. That was a joint bid with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, so the Senators know what it takes to make a strong pitch. 'The economic benefit reports will be coming out shortly (for the world juniors). It was huge,' Leeder said. 'You get big, big numbers with these events. You're not always going to get them when you bid, but when you do bid, you may get the next one. So, we're going to bid.' That's just it, even if the Senators aren't successful, the NHL and NHLPA plan to host this event every four years when there aren't Olympic Games. Maybe in 2032, the Senators could host the World Cup of Hockey in a new rink located at LeBreton Flats. You can't be successful if you don't throw your hat in the ring. bgarrioch@
Calgary Herald
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Ottawa Senators preparing a bid for 2028 World Cup of Hockey
The Ottawa Senators would welcome the opportunity to play host to the best hockey players in the world. Article content As the National Hockey League off-season shifts into high gear, the Senators will spend part of the next few weeks preparing a bid to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey in February at the Canadian Tire Centre. Article content Article content The eight-team tournament will return for the first time since 2016 and is expected to be held over 12 days. The host selection process for cities in North America and across Europe opened last week with the NHL and NHL Players' Association accepting expressions of interest. Article content Article content The deadline for teams on this side of the ocean to express interest is July 18th, while in Europe, it's July 30th. The final selection of the host cities will be made early in 2026. Article content Article content Cyril Leeder, the Senators' president and chief executive officer, confirmed in an interview with Postmedia that the organization will throw its hat in the ring to host the best-on-best tourney. Ottawa was among the host cities when the Canadian Tire Centre first opened in 1996. Article content The club has already reached out to Ottawa City Hall, Ottawa Tourism and representatives of the province to see if they are interested in being part of the bid process with the Senators. Article content 'We're definitely going to bid,' Leeder said before the first round of the NHL draft on the weekend. 'We're going to respond to the expression of interest by July 18, and we've already talked to a few folks locally to say, 'Hey, look, there is a bid coming, if you're interested, we need to get our act together and put forward our best position. '' Article content Article content Time is of the essence because the NHL and NHLPA plan to decide which cities will advance to the request for proposal process in August. It has been made clear that this tournament isn't just about what's happening on the ice; there also have to be activities away from the rink. Article content Article content The league and the players will identify preferred sites, but want bids that 'present a compelling and distinctive vision for the tournament.' There will be 17 games in two host cities, which will include the round-robin along with the semifinal and final in one location. Article content 'The World Cup of Hockey is a showcase of international hockey at the highest level, and we are thrilled to begin the host city selection process for 2028,' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. 'This tournament offers cities a chance to be part of something truly global, while delivering meaningful economic and cultural benefits in return.'
Ottawa Citizen
03-07-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa Senators preparing a bid for 2028 World Cup of Hockey
Article content The Senators understand what it takes to host this kind of event. The club can offer Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, the world's longest skating rink, as a backdrop for activities downtown. Article content The club also hosted Team Canada's training camp at the Canadian Tire Centre and some exhibition games before the last World Cup of Hockey was held in 2004. Article content Leeder said the competition will be fierce, especially after we saw the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston in February. That was the first time the best players in the world played internationally since the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Article content The NHL and the International Olympic Committee just signed an agreement to have league players participate in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina, Italy and in 2030 in the French Alps. Article content 'We've got a good track record, but I mean this is going to be a big event, right?' Leeder said. 'There are going to be 32 teams interested in hosting games. And, it doesn't sound like there will be a whole lot of sites. Article content Article content Article content 'They're going to look to Europe. But at the end of the day, it'll come down to what makes the most sense to put on the best event. That will be outside of our control as a bidder.' Article content The city and organization are coming off one of the most successful IIHF world junior championships in the history of the tourney over the holiday season. That was a joint bid with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, so the Senators know what it takes to make a strong pitch. Article content 'The economic benefit reports will be coming out shortly (for the world juniors). It was huge,' Leeder said. 'You get big, big numbers with these events. You're not always going to get them when you bid, but when you do bid, you may get the next one. So, we're going to bid.' Article content That's just it, even if the Senators aren't successful, the NHL and NHLPA plan to host this event every four years when there aren't Olympic Games. Article content
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Core Service Delivery The Focus Of Bay Of Plenty Regional Council's Annual Plan 2025/26
Key points: 3% increase (including inflation) to general rates (reduced from a forecasted 8.2%). A 2% reduction in the combined total targeted rates (reduced from a forecasted 6.3% increase). Increases and decreases will vary between targeted rate types. $48m dividend from Quayside Holdings, Regional Council's investment arm, reducing rates by an average of $400 per household. Estimated average annual increase per ratepayer of $11 (including GST). Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has achieved a more moderate rates increase than projected for its Annual Plan 2025/26 through reviewing budgets, considering affordability concerns and adapting to changing economic conditions. The Annual Plan 2025/26, which was adopted yesterday [ SUBS: Tuesday June 24 ], sees a $7.3 million reduction across the budgets, resulting in a 3% general rate increase for ratepayers. The budgets for year two (2025/26) of the Regional Council's Long Term Plan 2024-34 were anticipating an 8.2% increase to general rates and a 6.3% increase to targeted rates. However, with a changing economic climate and shifting direction from Central Government, Regional Council recognised the need to address rates affordability, while still delivering on the essential services required by local communities. Chair Doug Leeder says the focus is to deliver the work programme set with the community through the Long Term Plan 2024-34 in a fiscally responsible way. 'In the current environment, the challenge for councils is to achieve a balance between affordability and continuing to deliver the levels of service agreed upon with our ratepayers. 'We believe that this Annual Plan strikes the right balance between managing debt, keeping rates affordable and continuing to sensibly manage our infrastructure, while delivering the levels of service that the community expect from us.' Through the Annual Plan 2025/26, an operating expenditure of $195 million has been set to ensure continued investment into the Regional Council's core services. This includes: Public transport planning and operations through the bus network Restoration and enhancement of the region's natural resources through land management, biosecurity, climate change adaptation, and freshwater monitoring and management Flood resilience and natural hazards risk management Regulatory compliance and resource consenting. Chair Leeder says while the operating environment is dynamic and ever-changing, the Regional Council remains committed to its critical work that benefits local communities. 'Many of the decisions we make now are for today, tomorrow and beyond. The focus of this annual plan is to deliver both immediate and future benefits, ensuring that our services are provided in the most efficient manner possible.' The Annual Plan 2025/26 was developed through a series of councillor workshops over the past six months with no formal community consultation held. Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to consult on the Annual Plan only if there are significant or material differences from the Long Term Plan (according to our Significance and Engagement Policy). While cost savings have been identified, the Annual Plan remains consistent with the overall financial and strategic direction set out in the Long Term Plan 2024-34, so consultation was not required. Some of the key savings identified for this year's Annual Plan 2025/26 include: Public transport: $3.87 million. The government announced a reduced level of funding subsidy from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for public transport services, leading to a review and reduction of the public transport programme. Freshwater: $370,000. Delays in planned work following changes to the Resource Management Act in October 2024. Regional Council will continue this work when a new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is released. Flood Protection and Control: $280,000. Funding from Central Government (Beyond the Deluge) has reduced interest and loan costs for flood protection and control assets (such as stopbanks and floodwalls). Rotorua Catchments: $800,000 moved to 2026/27 financial year. The funding for the Ohau Wall has been aligned to the timing of the work. This means total funding for the project ($1.6m) is spread over 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years with $800,000 in each year. Corporate: $627,000. Cost savings through better financial management, reducing interest costs and refining IT systems. The budgets in the Annual Plan 2025/26 are used as the basis for setting rates (general and targeted).
Scoop
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Regional Sector Chair To Continue Progress And Partnership
Press Release – Te Uru Kahika A long-term thinker, Leeder credits the success of Te Uru Kahika (the 16 regional and unitary councils) to an openness to continually doing things better and unity of purpose. After almost a decade of leadership, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder has decided it's time to step down as Chair of New Zealand's LGNZ Regional Sector Group (RSG). His successor, Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter, brings to the role a long-standing interest in local government and resolve to work shoulder to shoulder with the country's Mayors and Chairs. In his time at the helm of RSG, Chair Leeder has been resolute in his support for a cohesive national voice for regional and unitary councils, grounded implementation, and rural and environmental needs. Above all, Doug said, it's always been about people. 'If it wasn't for people, regional government wouldn't need to deliver our many services. As regional and unitary councils, we work to ensure that the expectations of our communities are met in terms of a nice place to live and earn, and sustainability in terms of air quality, water, and the appropriate use of land,' said Chair Leeder. While part of the Regional Sector's work is regulatory across environmental resource management, Leeder is quick to point out that its contributions go far beyond what many New Zealanders might realise. 'Public transport, reducing flood risk, maritime safety, environmental enhancement, emergency management, and regional planning are all things that regional and unitary councils do every day, often in the background,' he said. 'The irony is, if we're doing our jobs well, most people won't even notice. But without them, our communities would feel the absence very quickly,' said Chair Leeder. A long-term thinker, Leeder credits the success of Te Uru Kahika (the 16 regional and unitary councils) to an openness to continually doing things better and unity of purpose. 'As Regional Sector Chair, it's been rewarding to see the sector put politics aside and come together for the good of the communities we serve. 'Working together has been useful in times of increasing complexity and central government direction on how councils must manage the environment while enabling growth,' said Mr Leeder. Now, as New Zealand prepares for significant resource management reforms and substantial climate adaptation work, Doug passes the baton with a call for courage. 'The structure of local government hasn't meaningfully changed since 1989. In that time, our communities, demographics, and challenges have changed dramatically. We need to be brave enough to question how deliver services and what functions sit best at which level—national, regional, or local. 'For example, monitoring and compliance needs to be at place by regional people with an understanding of the nuances of their region and specific catchments. With that said, we get the need for some uniformity in approach to give fairness and certainty across the country, and importantly save time and money,' said Chair Leeder. New RSG Chair Daran Ponter is well placed to steer regional government through a period of change. An experienced public policy adviser and Wellington-based, Chair Ponter is seeking a productive partnership with central government. 'We're operating in a period of global uncertainty and domestic pressure. That calls for agility and the Regional Sector Group felt it was important to have a Chair who could engage regularly and positively with government. 'As regional government, there are things that we do that would not work well for central or hyper-local government to deliver. For example, flood management, environmental monitoring, and regional transport operate best as a network and demand a regional lens,' said Chair Ponter, 'We're looking forward to productive conversations about the functions we deliver.' Reflecting on the cost of living and opportunities ahead, Chair Ponter is unequivocal that aspects of regional government services can be done cheaper and better through council collaboration. 'Regional Sector shared services can't come fast enough. Whether it's shared IT, specialist staff, or ticketing systems, we need to stop duplicating effort and start realising the efficiencies that scale can offer. Having a national public transport card is a great example and we're nearly there because we've worked together,' said Chair Ponter. Both leaders agree that greater cooperation between councils and with central government is important for New Zealand's future success. Chair Leeder reflected on what he hears from communities, 'Ratepayers are saying, 'enough is enough.' Double-digit rate increases aren't sustainable and hopes that government can endlessly write bigger cheques isn't realistic either. We need a real conversation between central and local government about who does what, who funds what, and how we can deliver services more smartly together.' In taking up the mantle, Chair Ponter recognised Chair Leeder's service to the Regional Sector and thanked him on behalf of Te Uru Kahika. 'Like all Mayors and Chairs, Doug is passionate about the Regional Sector. He has shown that through his leadership over three triennia as RSG Chair and by bringing us all together through Te Uru Kahika. This shared approach has strengthened the bonds across the Regional Sector for the betterment of the country,' said Chair Ponter. At the May RSG meeting, Mayors and Chairs also elected Waikato Regional Council Chair Pamela Storey as RSG Co-Deputy Chair. Deputy Chair Storey succeeds Horizons Regional Council Chair Rachel Keedwell who has added great value to the sector and will continue to do so through her ongoing role as a Regional Sector Representative on the LGNZ National Council. As this leadership transition takes place, Te Uru Kahika remains focused on working together on matters of environmental management, supporting economic and community development, and building resilience to hazards.
