The cost of ice time in Amherstburg is going up, but how much will be up to town councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night.
Usually, the rental fees for prime ice time, off-peak ice time, and surcharges are set on January 1 each year and are in line with inflation.
As of January, the anticipated inflation rate for 2023 was 6.9 per cent, and town officials thought the subsequent jump might be too much for many minor sports organizations to bear.
Instead, town staff considered a 3.54 per cent increase. The recommendation was approved, setting the rate for prime ice time at the Libro Centre at $205 an hour.
Minor sports organizations, including the Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association and Skate Amherstburg, indicated the fees were still too high. It also put the rate at one of the highest in Essex County.
Tuesday night's report suggested the impact could work against efforts to increase programming at the Libro Centre, especially during weekdays and non-prime hours.
The town lowered rates for some programs in an effort to increase the number of users at the facility. It worked. Usage increased significantly. Attendance for Turf Tots doubled.
If councillors agree with the recommendations in the report, the rental rate for prime ice time would be $201.96, a two per cent increase over 2022, and $110 an hour for non-prime time, down from the previously approved $180.00.
The surcharge for minor sports organizations would remain $7 an hour, and the cost of dedicated office space would go from $12 per square foot to $5.60.
The report also recommends consulting with user groups before increasing fees annually.
