Councillors agreed to move forward with an extended ice season at the Don Lough Arena by no later than July 1, and asked municipal staff to work with the Huntsville District Minor Lacrosse Association to secure additional space for their tournament from July 12 to 14, 2024—which councillors heard is scheduled for later than usual this year.
The Baysville arena was suggested because if General Committee’s decision is ratified when Huntsville Council is expected to meet on February 26, only the Jack Bionda Arena will be available for the lacrosse tournament.
The issue was brought forward at the Huntsville Gerneral Committee meeting on January 31, 2024. Greg Pilling, Manager of Facility Operations, Sales and Customer Service for the Town of Huntsville, told councillors that staff was still waiting to hear from the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA) about support to purchase an ice floor cover for the arena, which would turn the pad into a multi-use space.
Pilling reminded councillors that the cost for reinstating the ice including staff time starting mid-June is included in the 2024 budget. Councillors agreed to move forward, with the exception of Councillor Cory Clarke who voted against it.
“I think this is a perfect example of finding some balance for various needs in our community,” said Councillor Scott Morrison. “My belief is that we need to protect the lacrosse development program, I think that’s crucial to them growing their league and we’d love to see it grow so big that it increases in numbers but based on the last budget process that we just went through, and the amount of conversations I’m having with taxpayers, we have to find a balance for the taxpayer. And having a 23 million dollar taxpayer-funded facility sit empty for a month waiting for a three-day tournament, I don’t think is really what the taxpayers want but at the same token I respect lacrosse and we’ve got to do something to help them.”
Councillor Monty Clouthier recognized the amount of work staff had put into the issue. He noted that during a recent girls’ hockey tournament, facilities in Huntsville as well as Burk’s Falls and Baysville were used. “So I don’t think it’s out of the question for people to travel…” he said, adding that staff needs to move forward with the plan discussed last summer “so the staff can market the ice and get it sold.”
Dione Schumacher also noted that lacrosse is a big component of the community and wanted to see their tournament supported.
If approved by council, the ice is expected to be reinstated at the Don Lough Arena by no later than July 1, 2024.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock and Councillor Bob Stone were not at the meeting.
You can find the staff report, HERE (pdf).
Related
Year-round ice at the Canada Summit Centre? Not yet says committee
Survey regarding year-round ice at the Don Lough has been extended
Should the Town of Huntsville offer year-round ice?
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