It looks like winter Sports fans should continue bringing blankets when they visit arenas here.
In response to an inquiry from a local resident, Minto’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) looked into the installation of heaters in local arena stands. Heaters were removed from arenas in Minto several years ago. Previous to the removal, the existing heaters were seldom turned on, leading to frequent requests from heat-seeking spectators.
The minutes of the July 8 PRAC meeting indicate the committee does not recommend installing heaters.
Councillor Ron Elliott told council at the July 16 meeting the committee felt simply installing, let alone operating, heaters would be “too costly.” He said it would cost $21,000 per arena to put three heaters in the spectator area at the Harriston, Palmerston and Clifford facilities.
Elliott said the committee also felt “it didn’t make a lot of sense to heat an arena at the same time you’re trying to cool it down.”
Heating an area of the arena could have a negative impact on ice quality, he added.
Clifford trail opening
Recreation facilities manager Al Carr reported at the July 8 PRAC meeting that a trail being constructed this summer in Clifford will be comprised of recreational, historical and natural components.
The grand opening of the Clifford Trail is expected to take place on Sept. 7.
Carr also reported drainage has been installed at the new ball diamond in Clifford and community groups are contributing funds and labour to install other features, such as fencing and dugouts.
Pay up or else …
Minto council and PRAC have authorized staff to hire a collection agency for instances where staff feel they will be unable to collect overdue accounts for facility rentals.
The authority was requested by Carr and recreation services manager Matt Lubbers, in response to an $800 account that had become about a year overdue.
Deputy mayor Terry Fisk asked how overdue accounts occur and was advised while facility renters pay a deposit upfront, they are billed later once the total account has been tabulated.
Councillor Ron Elliott explained that delinquent accounts are rare, but that staff want to ensure they are collected in the interest of fairness to other users.
Smokers on the move
Councillor Ron Elliott would like to see smokers restricted to designated areas at local ball parks.
Elliott told Minto council at the July 16 meeting that he recently attended a local youth ball game and witnessed smoke from the stands drifting into the dugout.
Mayor George Bridge noted that a number of municipalities are currently struggling with the issue of regulating outdoor smoking.
Elliott said he’s not looking for a ban.
“We just want to give them a place to smoke, that’s all,” he stated.
