The city’s executive committee has voted overwhelmingly in favour of contributing $10 million to the cost of expanding BMO Field.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is seeking $10 million from the city, the province and the federal government to help cover the $120 million price tag of renovating the facility.
The proposed renovations include increasing the permanent seating capacity to 30,000 from 21, 566 and adding a partial roof that will cover the majority of the seats.
MLSE is also planning to reconfigure the field to allow the facility to host Canadian Football League games.
The Toronto Argonauts currently call the Rogers Centre home, but their lease expires in 2017 and it is not expected to be renewed.
“I am delighted that save for one vote there was very strong support for the city’s contribution to the expansion of BMO Field,” Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly told reporters Wednesday morning. “It is an investment that will return considerable revenue to the city and it will facilitate the growth of soccer in the city while at the same time protecting the legacy of Canadian football.”
Mayor Ford was the only one to vote against the motion.
City council will now have final say on the matter.
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