Halifax Regional Council has delayed a motion that would begin formal planning for a possible permanent stadium at the Wanderers Grounds.
Councillors voted Tuesday to defer the item to their August meeting.
The site in downtown Halifax currently hosts two professional soccer teams, the Halifax Wanderers and the Halifax Tides, who play in a temporary 6,500-seat stadium.
Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini voiced support for a larger permanent venue, saying the location has already proven successful as a sports destination.
He noted recent additions like a women’s league team have increased the site’s usage and appeal.
Mancini pointed to past public infrastructure projects that once faced skepticism but later brought major benefits to the region.
He cited examples such as the Scotiabank Centre and the Halifax Convention Centre, which now play a key role in drawing events and generating revenue for the municipality.
City officials say venues like the Convention Centre have contributed to hosting more than 1,500 events since 2018 and have helped generate significant economic activity.
However, not everyone supports building a permanent stadium at the Wanderers Grounds.
Some community groups, including the Friends of the Halifax Common, believe the space should remain open to the public and preserved as common land.
Council is expected to revisit the proposal later this summer.
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