Hamilton's director of economic development unsure if Bulldogs will return from Brantford

Hamilton's director of economic development isn't sure if the city's Ontario Hockey League team will ever come back home after being forced to move to Brantford for at least the next three years.

"We certainly hope we haven't lost the Bulldogs for good," Norm Schleehahn told CBC Hamilton on Tuesday afternoon.

He also said there's no sense of how much of an economic impact the Bulldogs' departure will have on the city. Schleehahn said the city would need a consultant to assess the impact.

The City of Brantford, meanwhile, estimates it will see a direct economic impact of $4,337,700 per year and see $297,250 in local wages. Its city council meets next Tuesday to consider a proposal to host the OHL team.

The Hamilton Bulldogs, which will be the Brantford Bulldogs for at least the next three years, were forced to find a new place to play because of renovations at the FirstOntario Centre.

Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) is behind the renovations and has an agreement with the city to run the FirstOntario Centre, FirstOntario Concert Hall, and the Hamilton Convention Centre for the next few decades.

Bulldogs owner Michael Andlauer previously said he was shocked to hear the team would have to relocate because of the renovations.

HUPEG previously said the renovations — costing at least $50 million — include a new exterior façade and video board, a "transformation" of the lower bowl, an expanded concourse level, and a new curtaining system for the upper bowl balcony.

The group also proposed year-round access to street-level features on York Boulevard, like a Sports Lounge, e-Gaming zone, a food and drink options.

The Bulldogs are the second team to leave the city because of the renovations.

The Honey Badgers, part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, left Hamilton permanently because of the renovations.

Schleehahn said he doesn't know what plans are for the Toronto Rock, part of the National Lacrosse League.

"They are going to need a larger-sized facility as well, so I'm not sure what that interim measure is going to be," he said.

Toronto Rock spokesperson Mike Hancock said the team doesn't have information to share about where the team will play home games next season, but said it won't play the games at the FirstOntario Centre.

Schleehahn said the departures are "short-term pains" and the renovations will lead to long-lasting benefits.

"It's a significant cost savings ... we're going to have a tremendous asset that's going to be a great facility for many years to come," he said.

"It's a long-term play."