Good points.
I don't think any Councillor wants to be voting to end the dream, even still. Quebec is now the leverage....it's the threat. I agree with that. Hamilton served that role for a long time, the 'Plan B' of many teams....that, to me, makes it easier to work with the NHL.
I want to see what Carmen's and OVG have planned. I can't imagine they don't have some plans. Remember....the study has been done to make FOC a top of the line OHL facility (lower bowl) or to bring it right up to be a top NHL caliber venue....
$250M to get this.....
$68M to just do the Lower Bowl....suites, concessions, ....assuming escalator, scoreboard, etc. as well.
If for hockey purposes all anyone wants right now is a smaller venue....then this option works and keeps the large capacity for other events/shows. I think Carmen's/OVG and Andlauer will be approaching the city with a plan....and it's going to incude Copps. The location, the footprint of that building...the need for a building of that size for non-hockey events........there's just no way building an OHL -specific venue makes any sense.
Yes, it will be something the Bulldogs will have to fight against...it's better to have this problem than have a rink like Val D'or, Prince Albert, Baie-Comeau, Owen Sound, and several others.
Anyway....I think you'll see the dream will be kept alive by a "lower bowl renovation". Suites, dehumidification system, scoreboard, concessions, etc. Makes the venue that much more attractive for larger events (WJHC, Memorial Cup, Concerts, etc.) but also gives the major tenant a top of the line 9,000 building.
I found during today's game, even with the curtains opened up between the blue lines on each side.....it felt like much smaller facility. When watching the game you only see the LED ring and below. It's like nothing exists above that ring. Having said that.....the lower bowl was packed, which helps.
TLDR: I think things are going to start happening in the near future once the management of the Core Venues is awarded.