The City of Victoria is preparing to sell naming rights for the Victoria Conference Centre.
How much the city hopes to charge hasn’t been revealed.
Previous high-profile naming rights contracts in the region include the $1.25-million, 10-year deal that Jim Pattison struck to have his Save-on-Foods grocery brand attached to Victoria’s arena and Bear Mountain Resort’s $250,000 for a 10-year deal at the West Shore rink that bears its name.
Victoria is looking for a broker to find a buyer for the conference centre naming rights. The aim is to have an agreement by Jan. 1, 2014.
The contract would “lead to increased market exposure, name recognition and increased business,” for the conference centre, says a city posting seeking a broker.
Victoria council reviewed naming rights last year as a way to generate revenue. A staff report recommended a broker be hired to pursue a deal for the centre, which was built in 1989 and receives subsidies from the city. But there was opposition, with an online petition saying corporate names on public buildings cheapen their symbolic value.
It also sparked debate at Victoria council. Coun. Marianne Alto said cities are struggling with budgets and this is a way other communities have diversified revenue streams. But Coun. Pamela Madoff questioned the plan, saying it would be difficult to decide whether a proposal meets the city’s values.
The centre at 720 Douglas St. is considered a jewel among the city’s holdings with 19 multi-purpose rooms, a large exhibit hall and a 400-seat lecture theatre. It has plenty of glass and First Nations art, and is connected to the Fairmont Empress hotel. The centre also includes historic Crystal Garden, located across Douglas Street.
