User groups in the City of Cold Lake could have access to ice surfaces in the summer months in 2020.
During their corporate priorities meeting on Tuesday, April 16, city council weighed the pros and cons of keeping the ice surface in their new arena at the Energy Centre from May to June.
“You hinted back at budget time to consider having summer ice. Staff looked at this, and we have had one request for it this year, but unfortunately, due to some maintenance issues… that’s not reasonable for us to do that,” Glenn Barnes, general manager of community services said. “We’re looking to see if council is willing to at least put out feelers as to whether or not there would be consideration for winter and summer ice for 2020.”
Mayor Craig Copeland saw the potential there, but felt the city should explore the option further before moving forward.
“I’m wondering if we should try and see if there’s a market place to try and attract teams that want to use the ice in May and June, and even July, just to see if we can drum up some business ahead of time to see if we can keep the ice open for users, because right now, the lacrosse schedule doesn’t indicate that they need that rink,” he stated.
During the bantam AA provincial tournament hosted in March, Copeland was approached by representatives from Hockey Alberta about the ability to take on more opportunities like that one.
This could include summer hockey camps where players from the Western Hockey League or even junior levels come to a community to teach young hockey enthusiasts more about the sport.
“I really think the hockey school, if done right, with the lake, the ski hill, and all of the opportunities, you could really blow in an amazing hockey school,” noted Copeland. “You possibly could do a great job, with the artificial field in the back, I think the business opportunity is there.”
He continued, “I think we should try and dabble in this for at least a season or two to see if it’s viable. It’s not going to make 100 per cent back, but can it be any worse in the middle of January.”
The city’s current request is for eight hours a week, however, council would like to see more interest before going forward.
“If council is interested in this, I think we have to go out and try to find out if there’s business for it,” stressed Copeland.
The ice in their new arena is scheduled to be cleared at the end of May, while other surfaces normally shut down in March.
“I think it’s something we should have a look at. Let’s make use of these places that we have, if we can,” said Coun. Vicky Lefebvre.
