The apparent front-runner parent team for a double-A franchise, the Toronto Blue Jays, re-signed an agreement with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to extend through 2014.
Afterwards, Beacon – which had previously agreed to bring a franchise to the city and lease Ottawa Stadium – informed Mr. Watson there was no time left to bring a team to town in time for 2013.
A letter written by Beacon's chief operating officer, Richard Billings, asked the city to allow it a chance to bring baseball into Ottawa in 2014, which would extend its current agreement with the city.
In a memo to councillors, Mr. Watson expressed his support for the idea.
"I will be bringing this issue to (the finance and economic development committee) and to council in the coming weeks in the hope of securing a mandate for the city to pursue negotiations with Beacon over the course of the coming months," he wrote.
Mr. Watson broke the news publicly via Twitter. "Just received word that double-A baseball more likely in 2014 as opposed to 2013. We will continue to work to fill our great stadium," he wrote late Friday.
Champions for Ottawa Baseball, a group representing several community leaders including Mr. Watson and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce executive director Erin Kelly, recently announced it had gathered 3,100 pledges for season tickets for a future double-A team.
Spokesperson David Gourlay sent an e-mail last week to his supporters saying he has "great faith and respect" that the city and Beacon will come to an agreement.
"We will maintain and build on the momentum through our passion for the game, the knowledge that there is a place for it in our community and (also) ensure we provide a strong and clear voice for those who have expressed their interest in the game as a community activity – whenever that process determines Opening Day," he wrote.
The Fat Cats will now be able to play out the season at Ottawa Stadium rather than moving in the fall to make way for expected renovations for double-A baseball, Mr. Watson added in the memo. The use of the stadium in 2013 and beyond is still up to council, he said.
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