Atlantic Lottery Corp. considering buying part of the Eastlink Centre, says Charlottetown mayor

The mayor of Charlottetown says the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is looking at purchasing part of the Eastlink Centre, but a long-standing management agreement between the city and province to run the trade centre and rink hascreated concerns for some members of city council.

Philip Brown saystalks started in recent months, focusing on a possible purchase by ALC of the trade-centreportion of the Eastlink Centre.

"The trade centre belongs to the province. We own the rink," said Brown."I think that eventually this will work itself out, but it's the province that is dealing with their real estate."

The city, ALC and the province have met three times since September to discuss the purchase, according to Brown. ALC owns Red Shoresthe harness racingtrack and casino beside the Eastlink Centre.The province andcity have jointly managed the Eastlink Centre for decades.

City council members recently voted to give notice the city intends to end the management agreement in Augustbecause of the possibility of the sale of the trade centre.Council reconfirmed that decision at a meeting Tuesday.

Rink to remain city owned

The rink will remain city owned and operated, regardless of any change in ownership of the trade centre, according to the mayor. About 10 to 12 unionized staff who currently work in the arena would not be affected by any sale of the trade centre, according to Brown.

"My view is, right from the beginning, let's just take it easy," said Brown.

ALCtold CBC News its Red Shores team meets on a regular basis with theEastlink Centre, but does not currently have any details to share about plans to expandoperations.

The province's Department of Economic Development said in a written statementto CBC News it is open to looking at options for the future of the trade centre.

'Big picture' missing

Charlottetown Coun. Mitch Tweelsees potential in asale ofthe trade centre to ALC, but wants to know more about what happened at the meetings with ALC and the province.

"What's missing here is getting the big picture, putting it on the table so all parties can make an informed decision," said Tweel.He sees potential for ALC to bring more concerts to the Eastlink Centre.

"It might be able to parallel what you would see in thecasino in Moncton,big name acts that could come to Charlottetown," said Tweel.

The Eastlink Centre is home to the city's hockey and basketball teams. The trade centre hosts popular trade shows and agriculturalevents.

Charlottetown Islanders intend to stay

Front office staff with the Charlottetown Islanders hockey team have been hearing the rumblings. They intend to stay for the remainder of their three-year lease, or longer.

"We've heard all kinds of different stories about what's going on," said Craig Foster, president of operations with theCharlottetown Islanders.

"We're working under the impression that we're showing up every day for work, that we're going to get to play out that lease and extend it potentially and stay here as long as possible."

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