Arena operator suggests Kelowna is jumping the gun on Propsera Place’s future

A day after the City of Kelowna announced it's looking for a new operator for the Prospera Place arena, the current operator is crying foul.

“For the past few years, GSL Group has continually expressed our interest in working with the city on a new agreement for a shared, long-term vision for Prospera Place,” Graham Lee, president and CEO of GSL Group, said in an email to iNFOnews.ca today, Jan. 26. “We informed the city in December that we would be providing them with a proposal, which they will receive in the coming days.”

GSL built the multipurpose facility and continues to operate it in a 30-year public-private partnership with the city that expires in 2029.

In a news release issued yesterday, Mayor Tom Dyas said the city will be looking for a new partner and is putting together a funding strategy for improving the building in the future.

READ MORE: Kelowna looking for a new operator for Prospera Place

“As the owner and operator of Prospera Place, we have a vision to foster a thriving, vibrant arena district in the heart of Kelowna,” Lee said in the emailed statement. “As part of our vision, we want to partner with the city to make long-term investments in Prospera Place so it can continue to be a first-class entertainment facility for decades to come.

“Our proposal for the city will include plans for new investments in seating, dressing rooms, amenities, and other AV technology. While the 30-year agreement we have is clear that the city is responsible for capital repairs and upgrades, we are prepared to contribute to improving Prospera Place for the future.”

Lee has not responded to iNFOnews.ca’s numerous attempts in the past for an interview.

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