Puslinch council is waiving the rental fee for the Puslinch men’s fastball team to host two games against the Team Ontario U21 men’s fastball team on July 22 at the Aberfoyle baseball diamond.
Additional costs for dragging the diamond would be at the cost of Puslinch fastball.
The request came to council on May 17 via Kyle McCaig.
He wrote, “I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to ask for use of the Aberfoyle Baseball Diamond on July 22. The Puslinch Men’s Fastball team has been given a unique opportunity.”
McCaig explain that “after winning several ORSA titles over the past 10 years and also winning the Eastern Canadian Men’s Fastball Championship in New Brunswick last fall, teams from around the province are beginning to recognize the fastball talent that has been built within the township.”
He stated the Team Ontario U21 men’s fastball team would like to play two games against Puslinch on July 22.
“These games are meant to help the U21 men’s team prepare for the National Junior Men’s Tournament at the end of July.”
The Puslinch men’s team is asking for the facility use to be donated by the township for July 22.
McCaig believed the waiving of fees for this one-time event would show the community that the township supports the many teams within the township that are playing fastball.
He also believed it would be a great opportunity to showcase the facility to other players and coaches from around the province.
Councillor Ken Roth had no issue with the request.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer stated this would not be a large scale tournament.
“Therefore it would be a minor cost to the municipality.”
Public works superintedent Don Creed noted dragging of the diamonds is typically at the discretion of township staff and based on staff availability.
However, he noted the Puslinch team is specifically requesting the diamond to be dragged twice for the event.
Bulmer said he would be fine waiving the overall rental and only charge the $80 for the requested draggings.
Councillor Susan Fielding concurred.
She added the township recreation committee is looking forward to the township finalizing its policies on fee waivers.
Lever stated if this had been a full tournament council may not have considered waiving the full rental.
“This seems to be an exhibition game with an Ontario team,” he said.
Creed stated if council agrees to both draggings, recreation staff would need to be brought in on overtime.
Council agreed to waiving the rental fee, but that the cost of dragging would be incurred by the men’s fastball team.
