Grass to BMO

We are writing you today to voice our support for installing grass at BMO Field. As you may know, the current artificial surface at the stadium has deteriorated badly over the past three years and is widely unpopular amongst many of the athletes that play on it. The surface is undoubtedly preventing the stadium from reaching its full potential. Many top club teams, as well as the Canadian national teams, are reluctant to play on it. As a result Torontonians have likely lost out on numerous opportunities to watch top level soccer in this community.

We appreciate that BMO Field was built using public funds with the provision that it be available for community usage. There is little doubt that local soccer teams have benefited from having access to the facility, especially in the winter months. However, it must be stressed that Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment Limited has made it clear that they are committed to ensuring that an equitable facility is put in place if they are allowed to install grass at BMO Field. Additionally, the company has promised to pay for both the new facility and the grass installation out of its own pocket. Ratepayers in Toronto will not be on the hook for the upgrades.

Provided that the city receives those assurances from MLSEL, we cannot think of a single reason to prevent the company from undertaking this project. A grass pitch at BMO Field would provide the city with a facility that it could truly be proud of. It would likely make the Pan Am Games bid more attractive and would potentially provide a boost to Canada's rumoured 2015 Women's World Cup bid. BMO Field would also instantly become a favourite to host a MLS Cup championship game.

Again, we want to stress my appreciation of the importance of community usage. We do agree that MLSEL should ensure that the community has a place to play in the winter. However, if that assurance is found, we implore you to support this endeavour.

Thank you for your time,