Members of the local parks and recreation committee want to keep the heat in the stands at the local rink.
Minutes of the Dec. 11 committee meeting indicate the committee objected to a recommendation in a facility review conducted by the township that the heaters be turned off to save costs.
In November, township council referred the recommendations in a follow-up report on the facility review to the committee.
At the Jan. 9 meeting, council discussed the committee’s response contained in the Dec. 11 minutes.
The committee recommended the township “continue using the heaters and create a formal policy on when the heaters are to be used,” suggesting they could be turned off in August, September and October and when the outside temperature is warmer.
The committee also suggested having a meter installed to determine the true cost of operating the heaters.
“The committee felt very strongly about not turning off the heaters,” councillor Lori Woodham told council.
“So perhaps this will now open the door for a concise study, more information, factual on the cost for that heater … maybe we look at a newer type of heater if it is cost effective.”
Woodham said council should look at implementing a policy “with strict guidelines about when it does get turned on and off,” to make it easy for staff to comply.
Councillor Dennis Craven said, “I was at the arena for a Saturday morning game and, yeah, it’s pretty nippy in there.”
He added he heard some comments about the possibility of removing the heaters.
“If we could have them so they’re not turned on automatically, but it’s pretty cold before you’re needing heat. So otherwise, I’d support that they stay there, but not turn them on every day,” Craven suggested.
The committee also disagreed with the facility report’s recommendation to discontinue early installation of ice at the PMD arena.
The reported noted that a four-year review of energy consumption at the facility indicates that while August revenue for ice usage ranged from $2,100 to $2,300 between 2015 and 2017, the cost of energy usage at the facility ranged from $6,834 in 2015 to $9,175 in 2017.
The parks and recreation committee instead recommended the township continue with the early ice program and that a summer ice rate, from August until after Labour Day, be created.
“A couple of members had some familiarity with that August ice situation,” said councillor Michael Martin.
He noted members suggested creating a different ice rental rate for that time of year to alleviate concerns.
“I think that’s certainly a policy that we welcome as far as defining that … summer rate,” said Martin.
The committee also recommended creating a uniform weather-related cancellation policy for both ice and hall rentals, where a refund is allowed if the Wellington County road adjacent to the facility is closed by the OPP.
Martin noted making the policies uniform would simplify the process for staff.
“I support the recommendations as they come from the committee. I think it was a great conversation,” stated Martin.
Woodham said, “I wholeheartedly support everything that’s on there.”
Mayor Neil Driscoll said, “It was just great to get this report to the parks and rec committee.
“Essentially, when you look back, that’s what this committee is for. Honestly, I feel bad that we didn’t think of it off the first … let’s send it to the committee first and then bring it back to council … those are the people that use the arena. They know what’s going on.”
