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Arena finances on thin ice with utility costs up
Rick Froese
Smoky River Express
Facing the challenge of rising costs and decreasing revenues, a new lease agreement for Smoky River Minor Hockey Association to operate Falher Memorial Arena has been reached by the Town of Falher.
At its regular meeting June 2, Falher council authorized the new lease under the current terms, although the operators of the municipal-owned facility requested a slight change.
While the minor hockey association as a delegation asked for a cap of $30,000 for the lease, council later decided to maintain the status quo of the operator paying for all utilities.
This year, council has budgeted for $38,000 in utility costs, said Town Administrator Gerard Nicolet.
“We are getting a good deal financially with them operating the arena,” said Mayor Margaret Tardif.
If the operator is unable to meet that obligation, council offered to consider a request by the hockey association for a funding adjustment.
Minor hockey association president Lise Cote, past treasurer Darlene Hachey, and new treasurer Sue Henley addressed council with their proposal, expressing frustration with the rising costs and limited funding.
“We have considered getting society status so we can raise funds at a casino,” said Cote.
Hachey noted that the Town of Falher and recreation hockey teams could become members .
“We don’t know how to raise more revenue for the rising cost of utilities,” said Hachey.
With a minor hockey deficit if $8,800, “parents are fundraised out”, she added.
Council agreed to explore further ideas to raise revenues without raising costs for Falher taxpayers and users.
Discussing the problem of revenue, the delegation and council restated their frustration with the lack of funding provided by the Municipal District of Smoky River.
“We strongly feel the M. D. should be funding the arena,” said Hachey.
Council quickly responded to that statement.
“If the M.D. doesn’t chip in, M.D. players should pay more than Falher players,” said Councillor Philippe Dube. “It’s the Town of Falher taxpayers footing the bill again.”
He further lauded the operator for doing its best considering the restricted resources.
“I really appreciate the minor hockey association for its hard work they are doing,” said Dube. “Minor hockey is saving us money.”
“If you weren’t doing it, it would cost us more,” he said.
Councillor Donna Buchinski said it would be most economical for the region to have only one arena, with the mayor quickly promoting the value of the Falher arena.
“We’re not willing to close our arena,” said Mayor Tardif. “It is an asset to the community.”
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