Heather Wright/The Independent

Netting for the arena at the East Lambton Community Complex could cost over $40,000.

That from Ryan Chamney, manager of parks and recreation in Warwick Township. He told council Oct. 5, he has met with contractors about the work and one has said it would cost $42,000 to install the webbing.

For decades, most of the seating in the arena has been unprotected without safety concerns being raised.

But councillors expressed concern after an incident in the arena during a charity hockey game this summer.

Chamney says during the warm-ups for the OHL exhibition game between the London Knights and the Erie Otters – an August fundraiser for the Alvinston arena project – a puck bounced into the stands striking an adult in the jaw.

Chamney said the spectator, an elderly woman, received medical attention from paramedics at the game and then was taken to hospital for further treatment.

That prompted Councillor Wayne Morris to ask why netting had never been put in at the ELCC and asked staff to look into the cost of protective netting.

Chamney told council he met with two contractors but so far only one has submitted a bid. He says the netting will need to be installed on the north, west and east sides of the ice surface.

“It would be a permanent system. It’s not meant to be taken up and down. It it’s recommended that it stays sort of static and in place,” Chamney said.

The type of netting still needs to be determined. The three most common webbing is black, white and clear.

“I have met with a second company to discuss the project as well. I just haven’t received the quote,” he added.

Councillor Joe Manning says hopes the project can begin soon.

“I’d like to see this expedited as fast as possible. Obviously, I don’t want to put cost above safety,” he said. “But in the case that it does get delayed to spring, if we have no say over that, will that give us enough time to seek out grants.

“I mean, it’s a safety upgrade. I assume probably should be something out there,” he added.

Chamney says township staff does keep an eye out for grants and would look to see if there was something available which would cover the arena netting.