Township okays $85/hour ice rate for Ripley-Lucknow hockey club

Huron-Kinloss council has approved a further reduced ice rental rate for the proposed amalgamated Ripley-Lucknow hockey club.

Earlier this year, the township agreed on a fee of $110/hour for ice rental. However, the amalgamation committee requested the cost be reduced even more to allow a smooth transition to an independent association.

In a letter to council, discussed at the Dec. 18 meeting, the committee stated that with the $110/hour rate, each player would be required to fund-raise $200, because ice rental is the largest expense for minor hockey operations, at an estimated 65 per cent.

"Ripley and Lucknow have not raised registration fees ($350) for two years, and suggest that in order for a smooth transition to an independent association that the following ice rate plan will satisfy both the Lucknow and Ripley minor hockey membership, and the Township of Huron‐Kinloss," states the committee. "We propose an ice rental rate of $85/hour for 2018‐19 and registration fee of $375. We would then propose an ice rental rate of $95/hour for 2019‐20 and registration fee of $400."

In his report, community services director Mike Fair noted that the $85/hour ice rate provides a balanced budget for the amalgamated organization.

"A small rate increase along with no fund-raising, will provide the amalgamation committee a budget proposal with a registration rate for information purposes to both memberships before an amalgamation vote," said Fair. "Staff has evaluated the proposal and recommends approval of an ice rental fee of $85/hour for 2018-19 and $95/hour for 2019-20."

The treasurer noted that the reduction in the ice rental rate, to $85/hour from $110/hour, based on an estimated 1,044 hours of usage annually, is a $26,000 reduction in revenue to the facilities, or $13,000 per arena (Ripley and Lucknow) if divided equally.
 

Council supported the proposal and approved the reduced rate to $85/hour for ice time.

All members of Ripley and Lucknow minor hockey are invited to attend one of four public meetings to receive information and ask questions, regarding the amalgamation proposal for 2018. The meetings will take place as follows:
 

• Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 8 p.m., Ripley Arena auditorium (upstairs)
• Thursday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m., Lucknow Arena, Dave Farrish room (downstairs)
• Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m., Ripley Arena auditorium
• Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., Lucknow Arena, Dave Farrish room

This is a great opportunity for everyone to hear the amalgamation proposal, ask questions and give feedback. A vote on this proposal will take place at each association's respective annual general meeting, scheduled for the end of January, 2018.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information meetings, direct inquiries to a member of the executive of either Ripley Minor Hockey or Lucknow Minor Hockey.