Staff
Town council respectfully declined a request from the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association to extend the Ice For Kids Arena ice plant operation until the end of the school year in June.
The request was reviewed by the Community Services executive committee, which felt it would not be feasible because:
•it is too late to have the necessary planning in place to facilitate extending the ice season;
•the town can’t cancel commitments that already have been made to the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, Seven Generations Education Institute, and local Shriners to rent the IFK for events;
•there is no business proposal or commitment of financial resources in place to ensure this would be a prudent fiscal decision that would not require an increased subsidy from the taxpayers;
•the request to extend the IFK season is too late in the budget process, and a future request would have to be presented by late fall prior to the following year’s budget; and
•there is not enough information as to the ability of the town’s new brine chiller to operate for a longer period into the summer months.
In a letter to council, FFMHA president Wayne Strachan explained hockey has become a year-round sport for many boys and girls of all ages in the area.
There are local hockey players in universities, colleges, junior hockey, Midget, and Bantam programs playing elsewhere who need to travel to keep themselves in game shape.
As well, there are numerous seven- to 17-year-olds playing ‘AAA’ summer hockey and having to travel to practice and play games.
Having usage of the IFK ice surface for longer would help FFMHA members and coaches, as well as other ice users, and there even are possibilities for bringing in a 3-on-3 or ‘AAA’ tournament during the extra months.
Strachan wrote that the FFMHA is aware other groups use the ice rink facilities during this time, but it would be willing to look at creative ideas to make it work for all.
“Please think about this opportunity with the vision that it could be an economic gain for all stakeholders,” he noted.
“Local associations/clubs could possibly generate extra revenues, parents could save on travel costs, and, for sure, there would be some spin-off business for our local economy.”
The Community Services executive committee said the FFMHA is welcome to bring forth the proposal this fall when the town solicits public input on its 2014 budget.
Meanwhile, the ice will stay in at ’52 Canadians Arena for a couple more weeks to accommodate the Fort Frances Lakers’ playoff schedule.
Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig said the town has to take the ice out at the IFK on April 20 in anticipation of the Chamber of Commerce’s business expo at month’s end.
The Lakers play April 14 and 19 at the IFK, but any home games after that will have to be played on the ’52 Canadians ice surface.
McCaig said the town will try to maximize use of the ’52 Canadians ice surface during the extended period.
For instance, Community Services manager Jason Kabel will fill as many ice-time slots as possible, and a couple of ‘AAA’ teams will continue to use it for practice.
Also at last night’s meeting, council heard a presentation from the Senior Retirees Against Pension and Elder Abuse re: 2013 taxes.
Spokesperson Allan T. Bedard asked council that there be no increases to taxes, water and sewer rates, or user fees this year, and that the town put all non-vital projects on hold until the economical situation can be stabilized.
As well, council declined a proposal by the Fort Frances Seniors Advisory Committee to not demolish Huffman School in favour of using it as a location for expanded seniors’ activities.
Council also directed the municipal planner to communicate and work directly with the Fort Frances Community Garden Group regarding the continued use of that property, as well as provide guidance toward achieving a zoning change to permit usage of the land on a permanent basis.
