Township staff have been directed to conduct a review of ice time rates at the local arena and bring a report back to council in January.
Council gave the direction at the Dec. 10 meeting, after defeating a motion to support a Parks Recreation and Culture Committee (PRCC) recommendation to increase ice time rates by five per cent for the 2014-15 season.
Rounded up, as the motion indicated, the rates would move up to $83 per hour for non-prime ice time, $109 per hour for prime time and $96 per hour for minor Sports.
Public works director Larry Lynch pointed out on Dec. 10 that Mapleton’s ice time rates are “significantly lower than anywhere else.”
“We need to look at the bigger picture on rates before we look at rates for next year’s hockey season,” he stated.
While noting he understands why local sporting groups would like to know in advance what their rates will be for next season, in order to plan effectively, he suggested there should be more staff input into the rate setting process.
“In my mind, staff should have an opportunity to make a recommendation on the rates,” said Lynch. He noted a number of people on the recreation committee are involved in groups which use the arena and “it’s somewhat self-serving.
“We have to operate our facilities. That’s the reality. So we have to set our budget and set our rates based on that,” Lynch explained.
Councillor Jim Curry agreed with the need for staff and council input on rates.
“This is the business and recommendations need to come from management – we need to bring back numbers that reflect the business model,” said Curry.
Lynch noted there are “massive differences” between Mapleton’s ice time rates and other area municipalities.
“Its $168 an hour in Centre Wellington,” for prime ice time, he pointed out.
Councillor Andy Knetsch, who sits on the PRCC, suggested there’s little point in having the committee continue to discuss rates and provide recommendations.
“If it’s council and staff that are going to make the decision, then we as a committee are just spinning our wheels and wasting our time. Why should this committee be even spending its time and coming forward with recommendations?” asked Knetsch.
“I don’t think they’re spinning their wheels. But as far as setting dollar values – that’s where it’s difficult,” said Mayor Bruce Whale.
