It looks like summer ice in Chatham-Kent is a go this summer, but brace yourselves, it comes at an added cost.
A report going to council for approval on Monday night suggests rotating summer ice in June and July between the Thames Campus Arena in Chatham and the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Center Arena in Dresden because they are the only arenas that have the proper equipment to operate summer ice.
However, an hourly premium of $50 on the current summer ice rates is being recommended to help to offset the increased operating expenses. Current hourly ice rental rates are $152 plus tax for minor and non-prime ice time and $ 173 plus tax for prime ice time.
Director of Parks and Recreation Rob Pollock said funding for costs associated with offering an extended summer ice season was not requested during the 2022 budget deliberations as the demand for summer ice was unknown due to COVID-19 arena restrictions.
"It is estimated that there will be a 25 per cent increase in operating costs to operate the facility during the summer months due to the higher outdoor temperatures," Pollock wrote in the report.
Pollock noted that rotating the summer ice between arenas allows the ice to be removed at least once in a 24-month period, which is necessary to allow the arena floor to thaw and settle and avoid damage to the floor. He also said removing the ice also allows for appropriate proactive maintenance.
Administration is also recommending that extended summer ice operations continue annually if there are signed ice permits with user groups committing to a combined minimum of 30 hours of summer ice rented weekly.
The summer ice service will be considered during the 2023 budget deliberations.
