The organizers of the unsuccessful Atlantic Schooners have established a refund platform following criticism for the lack of transparency in facilitating refunds for fans who had put down deposits for season tickets. Each fan had paid a $50 deposit per seat, but the Canadian Football League (CFL) team never materialized.
Several individuals who had made deposits expressed concerns about the organization behind the franchise bid and the CFL’s management of the situation. The team initiated a season-ticket campaign in late 2018, with over 6,000 individuals making deposits. However, the CFL project faded from public discourse with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The associated companies, Schooner Sports and Entertainment, and Maritime Football Limited had their registrations revoked in the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
In response to queries from fans regarding the whereabouts of their funds, the proponents discreetly launched a refund website in late August. They have assured that refund requests will be processed within 30 to 60 days. Dave Smith from Amherst, N.S., who had paid a $100 deposit for two seats, expressed confusion as to why depositors were not promptly informed.
The issue of transparency has been raised by depositors like Jen Harris from Beechville, N.S., who, along with her husband, deposited $100 for two seats. Harris believes that the league should have been more forthcoming about the situation. The CFL distanced itself from the operation, stating that the season ticket deposits were handled by Schooners Sports and Entertainment.
Mark Howard, residing in Florida with a summer home in northern Nova Scotia, is among those seeking a refund. He emphasized the need for the Schooners to communicate openly with fans about the developments. Anthony LeBlanc, a key figure in the project, explained that the closure of Schooner Sports and Entertainment in 2023 involved refunding season ticket holders.
Before the refund website was unveiled, some individuals struggled to obtain information on the refund process, while others reported unanswered queries. Despite challenges in accessing the refund website, efforts are being made to ensure depositors receive their refunds promptly. The initiative to bring a CFL team to Halifax was active before the pandemic, with LeBlanc playing a prominent role in the project.
In conclusion, the establishment of the refund website aims to address concerns raised by fans regarding the handling of season ticket deposits for the Atlantic Schooners. The move towards transparency and accountability is crucial for restoring trust among depositors and the wider CFL community.
