$20 million debenture to be issued to pay for phase 1 of $50 million reno project at Ontario arena

The first phase of the $50 million renovation project at the Tribute Communities Centre will get underway later this year and the City of Oshawa will be asking the Region of Durham to issue $20 million in debentures to pay for it.

A year ago, just weeks after a closed-door session at Oshawa council that saw the owner of the historic Oshawa Generals hockey team threaten to find greener pastures elsewhere if he and the city couldn’t agree on certain concessions, the two sides reached an agreement on a new 30-year partnership that includes a $50 million promise from the city to modernize the Tribute Centre.

The deal includes a commitment from the team – designs for improvements to various club-related areas in the building were unveiled earlier this year – as well as a new “prime location” for the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame, a sticking point in previous negotiations between Oshawa and Generals’ owner Rocco Tullio.

Tullio, who has owned the club for 17 years, called the 30-year lease extension a “powerful partnership that secures the future of hockey in this community for generations to come.”

The historic agreement between the hockey team, the city and Oak View Group, who has operated the city-owned Tribute Centre since 2008, ensures that the Oshawa Generals will continue to call Oshawa home for another three decades. Oak View Group is also extending its agreement for management and food and beverage services for 30 years, as well as investing $1 million in facility infrastructure, including a modernized concession area.

The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame will be relocated to a new location in front of the arena providing “24/7 exposure” to its displays and further increasing awareness of the city’s sports achievements.

Deke and former Generals goalie Jacob Oster. Photo Ian Goodall

The modernization of the arena will include a main entrance expansion, fan experience upgrades, interior renovations, seating for a minimum of 7,000 and an updated concession area. The upgrades will ensure the facility is eligible and ready to host a Memorial Cup and improve player facilities to support top-tier talent. The modernization will support Oak View Group in further marketing the facility and attracting more sports and entertainment events and performances and fans by offering an improved experience.

The city has already made significant investments at the Tribute over the years, including $1 million for a new scoreboard and upgrades to player amenities such a new weight room, medical facilities and an NHL-caliber players’ lounge.

The $50 million modernization will not impact the tax rate, but It will be funded through various sources, such as the new Oshawa Generals and Oak View Group agreements, Municipal Accommodation Tax and additional seat revenue. Construction is anticipated to be phased over several years beginning to minimize disruption for the Generals, the Oshawa FireWolves lacrosse team, concerts and other entertainment shows.

Durham Region is planning to issue debentures in the spring of 2026.