Province could kick in more for Ivor Wynne

There’s a possibility that Queen’s Park could help make up a $50 million shortfall in the rebuild of Hamilton’s Ivor Wynne Stadium for the Pan Am games.

Monday council discovered the most recent cost estimate fell $50 million short of committed funds. Council says it will proceed with the renovation plans but only if the province steps in and covers the difference.

Infrastructure Ontario estimates rebuilding Ivor Wynne would cost between $156 and 174 million – as much as $54 million more than the city and Pan Am organizers have to spend.

Ontario infrastructure minister Bob Chiarelli was asked if the province will step up to cover the unfunded portion. “The province doesn’t have a blank cheque for the Pan Am stadium but we’re ready to go to the table and talk to partners and see if a solution can be hammered out. But we have made a very strong decision internally that we are going to be respectful of the Pan Am budget that’s in place.”

Hamilton will propose the renovation plan to the Pan Am corporation next week.