Heather Wright/The Independent

Concerns some kids won’t be able to play hockey if ice rates rise have been eased in Brooke-Alvinston.

The municipality has been struggling with the costs of running an arena in a small town. It runs at a deficit nearly $400,000 yearly. The municipality also offers minor sport rates of $137 an hour for ice time. Most arenas in the area charge between $166 and $211 per hour.

March 13, council agreed in principle to increase ice time rates to $175 for the month of April. East Lambton Minor Hockey Association asked councillors to keep the ice in longer so they could run tryouts according to new OMHA rules.

March 27, council looked at the issue again. Staff said 78 per cent of the ice rentals come from the ELMHA, Lambton Attack, Alvinston Ice Angles and the Brooke-Alvinston Skating Club. All pay the minor sports ice time rate of $137 per hour.

Staff suggested the minor hockey rate be eliminated and the rates for ice time next season be set at $180 per hour.

That would mean a 28 per cent increase for the minor sports league, which was concerning to Deputy Mayor Frank Nemcek.

“I still think we should have a minor sports rate.. hockey is getting very, very, very expensive right now.”
He worried if the minor leagues simply passed the increase on “there might be kids that can’t afford to play hockey and I hate to see that,” Nemcek said.

Councillor Jenny Redick, who brought the idea of increasing ice rates to council, said there are over 200 kids who are involved in minor sports at the arena and all pay for the ice time through their registration. She said it could mean an increase of $5 to 10 per child.

She added there are charities which provide help to children who can’t afford hockey.