The individuals supporting the unsuccessful Atlantic Schooners venture have established a refund platform following criticism that they made it difficult for fans to recover their money after submitting a deposit for season tickets. Each fan had paid a $50 deposit per seat, but the CFL team never materialized. Concerns have been raised by some depositors regarding the group behind the franchise bid and the league’s management of the situation.
In late 2018, the team initiated a season-ticket campaign, with over 6,000 individuals making deposits. However, discussions about the CFL project ceased when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. The affiliated companies associated with the initiative, Schooner Sports and Entertainment, and Maritime Football Limited, had their registrations revoked in the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
In response to inquiries from fans about the status of their deposits, a refund website was quietly launched by the proponents in late August. They have assured that individuals should expect their refunds within 30 to 60 days of requesting one. Dave Smith from Amherst, N.S., who had paid a $100 deposit for two seats, expressed confusion as to why depositors were not informed since contact details were likely available to the organizers.
Transparency concerns have also been raised by Smith and Jen Harris from Beechville, N.S., who deposited $100 for two seats. They feel that the league should have been more forthcoming and acknowledged their involvement in the failed venture. The CFL has distanced itself from the operation of the Schooners, stating that the season ticket deposits were managed by Schooners Sports and Entertainment.
Mark Howard, residing in Florida with a summer residence in northern Nova Scotia, is anticipating the refund process for the two seats he reserved. He believes that the Schooners should have been more transparent with their supporters.
Before the launch of the refund website, there was confusion among some individuals on how to secure refunds, while others claimed their refund attempts went unanswered. Anthony LeBlanc, a key figure in the CFL franchise endeavor in Halifax, emphasized that all financial obligations were met, despite the closure of Schooner Sports and Entertainment in 2023.
Several individuals, including Harris, found it challenging to locate the refund website address. They expressed that it was not easily accessible. The CFL maintains an Atlantic Schooners website, although the information provided is dated.
Prior to the pandemic, discussions about a CFL team in Halifax were lively, with Anthony LeBlanc playing a prominent role in the initiative. LeBlanc later assumed an executive position with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators but remained a director with Maritime Football Limited.
The supporters of the Atlantic Schooners are hopeful for a successful refund process but emphasize the need for greater transparency from the organizers.