Markham councillors are holding their first public meeting Friday afternoon to consider a proposal to build an NHL-sized arena in the town.
GTA Sports and Entertainment is hoping to build a multi-use 20,000-seat sports arena and entertainment venue at Highway 407 and Kennedy Road, with plenty of speculation it may one day be used in an attempt to lure a second NHL team to the region.
Developers insist the plan does not depend on bringing a second NHL team to the GTA.
However, the venue would rival the Air Canada Centre in downtown Toronto because it would accommodate large crowds for sporting events, concerts and other special events.
If council approves the project this month, construction may be completed as early as 2014.
Costs for the project are expected to exceed $300 million, according to reports
Markham town councillors have held closed-door meetings and been silent on the matter.
A second public meeting is being held April 26.
