St. Thomas now owns the land on which its new $12-million arena is being built.
Almost a year after entering into an unusual leasing agreement with the property's owners, the city closed the deal on Friday.
"Because council was innovative and able to think outside the box, we were able to come up with a pioneering solution to ensure the community centre would be ready for residents to use for the 2005/2006 season," said Mayor Jeff Kohler in a news release.
The lease was a temporary solution to allow construction to begin while awaiting site condition approvals from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
"This was a win-win situation for everybody, in my opinion," Kohler said.
"My hat goes off to the members of council who could see the bigger picture. I am very proud."
The lease deal also allowed construction to begin before last winter, saving an estimated $550,000 in additional costs if it were delayed.
The arena proposal has been dogged by controversy for more than three years due to disagreements about its location, size and funding, including finger-pointing, allegations and downtown rallies.
The official ribbon-cutting for the two-pad, 2,300-seat arena between Wellington and Talbot streets is set for Sept. 16, one year and three days since ground was broken.
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