Greg Philing, Manager of Facility Operations, Sales and Customer Service for the Town of Huntsville, told Huntsville’s General Committee on May 29 that representatives of the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA) have turned down a request for funding assistance for an ice cover for the Canada Summit Centre in order to host more events.
Philing said HMATA “has responded that it would be too difficult to determine the return on investment for the floor covering due to insufficient precedence to draw on from other municipalities and has declined the request.”
He said HMATA was suggesting that the municipality pursue a capital grant as a better funding option if there is enough use to justify it.
In his report, Philing recommended that due to the cost “and the anticipated number of times the flooring would be required based on previous usage, General Committee determines the purchase of event floor coverings and carts for the Don Lough arena are not warranted at this time.”
According to Pilling’s report, the cost for an ice pad cover is estimated as follows:
- $195,000 to $270,000 for multi-use flooring that will enable events such as trade shows, concerts, and robotics.
- $32,400 for the storage carts ($2,700/cart for 12).
- Up to $300,000 for a lacrosse carpet that would go on top of the multi-use floor cover.
- $1,100 for a forklift to set up and remove the floor cover for each event.
- $2,000 per event for 6 staff to set up and remove the flooring for each event.
Philing reminded council that any new capital infrastructure must also include money for its replacement in future budgets. He said based on an estimated current cost of $227,400 and an expected useful life of 50 years, the amount to be included in the 2025 capital budget for annual replacement would amount to about $4,548. He also noted that staff time would need to be considered.
Councillor Bob Stone said he was disappointed and hoped the idea didn’t get completely discarded. “I hate to see this idea lost. I think there is some great opportunities for keeping the ice in and having this ice floor covering could allow us to bring things like the Huntsville Robotics… and gymnastics and many other things.”
Deputy Mayor Dan Armour agreed with Stone. “I don’t think we should put this fire out, yet.” He said the idea and funding should be pursued. He was also concerned that ice pad covers rise in price. “So I think we should look at every opportunity we have, apply for the grants and see how we make out.”
Councillor Cory Clarke said he did not support year-round ice at the arena and would support the recommendation not to pursue it at this time. Councillor Jason FitzGerald said he agreed with Armour in pursuing other funding opportunities, as did Councillor Monty Clouthier, who said it could be used all year long. “If you don’t have it, you can’t sell it,” he added.
Both Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock and Councillor Scott Morrison said the gymnastics event that was recently hosted was a great success. Alcock said accommodations were full. Morrison said HMATA might start seeing the investment as worthwhile when they see the events that could be brought to the community. He said he could support the search for more funding but did not want to see tax dollars spent on an ice pad.
Councillor Dione Schumacher said she too did not want to spend the money but also said she does not want to see opportunities lost.
In the end, a majority of councillors voted in favor of including an ice cover flooring in the 2025 budget and directed staff to seek grant funding opportunities in conjunction with HMATA to offset the cost of the flooring to support Town events.
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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