Bluewater Mayor Says Closure of Bayfield and Hensall Arenas Not Imminent
Submitted By showe on Sunday, October 11, 2009
Bluewater Mayor Bill Dowson told BCH Minor Hockey on Sunday, October 11, 2009 that any changes to the status of the Bayfield and Hensall Arenas are not imminent, and it could be years before any recommendations on the future of the two facilities are even considered.
Mayor Dowson was commenting on a recently released Staff Facilities
Review Report to the Municipality of Bluewater, which recommends that
Bluewater consider
closing or making dramatic changes to both the Bayfield and Hensall Arenas.
The report recommends adding a second ice surface to the Zurich Arena
to make up for the ice deficiency created by the closure of the
community arenas in Bayfield and Hensall.
The Staff Report says that the Municipality would be prudent to consider a comprehensive recreational/facility review to provide for leisure services and facilities. As for Bayfield it says revenues do not justify the long term capital required to continue operation as an ice surface facility. The report also says that consideration should be given to long term planning for the construction of a new community facility within Hensall (no ice surface), following the disposal of the existing facility when no longer in use.
In the introduction to Part Two of the Facilities review it states the reason behind the report.
“Staff were charged with the responsibility of reviewing, in an objective manner, all facilities owned and operated by the Municipality in order to address such issues as code compliance, accessibility requirements, capital requirements and issues as they may relate to long term feasibility.
“The accompanying reports have been prepared to orientate(sic) and educate our elected officials on the facility stock and assets of the municipality. It is intended to present in one format the major considerations that should be weighed in order that Council may then be prepared and informed to look at considerations with respect to future operations.
“The intent is only to present the needs, options, and considerations and not to debate the merits of any particular plan or idea as they may relate to political atmospheres.”
Select this link to read the report.
For further information or to contact you municipal representative please select this link.