KAGAWONG—Western Manitoulin municipalities have in recent meetings considered a request from the town of Gore Bay for an increased annual contribution towards the arena located in Gore Bay.
“I know this issue is going to our budget deliberations for more discussion,” said Billings councillor Dave Hillyard at a council meeting December 17, 2024. “I would encourage council members to have a look at the Gore Bay arena structural assessment report to council dated October 28, 2024 (prepared by Tulloch Engineering). I read the 42-page report and it provides in depth information on the maintenance that is being recommended to be carried out on the arena over the next five years.”
“I don’t think we need as many arenas on Manitoulin Island as we presently have,” said Councillor Hillyard. He said that based on the recommendation in a letter sent by Gore Bay to Billings, it outlines the town is requesting an increase in the annual funding that Billings provides to the town towards the arena, $2,500 to $11,000 (or from 2.5 percent to 11 percent) based on township residents use of the facility).
“I would like to know exactly how many kids from Billings are playing hockey and using the (Gore Bay) arena,” said Councillor Hillyard. He pointed out the public skating is free at the arena and that for the town to maintain the facility on an annual base costs about $100,000. The structural report indicates $653,000 is needed in maintenance over the next five years to maintain and keep the arena safe for users, and that this cost doesn’t include the replacement of equipment like a Zamboni in the future. As well, the Western Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association charges the lowest player registration fees on the Island. “I don’t see Billings paying a share of $11,000 to subsidize hockey being played in the arena.”
In a letter to Billings council, dated December 11, Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane, on behalf of council wrote, “on November 27, a Western Manitoulin Shared Services meeting was held. One of the actions requested from this meeting was that each council consider their contribution change from an ‘annual donation’ to an ‘annual contribution based on participation rate’ in support of the Gore Bay Memorial Arena.”
A table was presented indicating the current annual donation and percentage rate of what each municipality is currently providing financially and the proposed contribution based on a participation rate percentage. The table also shared a proposed annual contribution based on population rate amount and percentage.
“In order to maintain the operations of this community hub (arena) for the next 3-5 years, this fairer contribution method will assist in funding not only operating costs, but also the $100,000 plus of capital improvements needed over the next 12 months,” wrote Mayor Lane. “As well, we would like to thank you for moving forward with our joint initiative of an explorative task force, to determine future concepts and a location of a new facility. Time is of the essence for this task force, since there may be two upcoming elections in 2025 (for both the federal and provincial governments) which are expected to result in grant funding opportunities.”
Billings Councillor Ian Anderson noted he hasn’t seen the Gore Bay arena structural report yet but said, “my initial reaction is that as a township we need to contribute more than we have historically. Organized sports is extremely important for kids because it teaches them things like team work. It has been shown that when kids play hockey or other sports they do better in school as well.
Billings township currently has one of the oldest populations on Manitoulin, and may not have as many children playing sports or using the Gore Bay arena as much as participation has been in the past. “I know we (Billings) have had a significant number of kids involved in minor hockey and other activities in the Gore Bay arena in the past and I have always felt that we should be providing a little more toward this financial burden,” said Councillor Anderson. “My first thought is that I am not opposed to our municipality providing more financial support.”
“As Ian said our current demographics is older, but we are getting more new families moving into the township all the time,” said Councillor Vince Grogan. “I also feel the requested amount for our share is a little high. But playing sports helps kids grow up and keeps them out of trouble. I defend kids playing and staying out of trouble.”
Councillor Michael Hunt said he agreed with points made by all three council members, and pointed out the township is fortunate to have the outside rink it has in Kagawong. He said the $11,000 is basically four times the amount Billings is paying now and could be put into the outside facility in Kagawong instead.
Mayor Bryan Barker said most of the arenas on the Island were built post-war, and they are old and failing. “Central Manitoulin, Gore Bay and M’Chigeeng (First Nation) all have problems with their arenas.” To maintain the Gore Bay arena over the next five years or so will cost over $650,000 and Gore Bay is putting about $100,000 into the facility for yearly maintenance.
“No township on the Island can afford their own facility,” stated Mayor Barker. “We are going to be taking part in meetings with the other western communities looking at the possibility of having a central multi-use arena location and possibly include a swimming pool and other amenities. Central Manitoulin wasn’t included in the Western Manitoulin shared services meeting held in November, but Mayor Richard Stephens said he would attend the next meeting. This is all very preliminary at this point. The bottom line right now is contribution requested of us of $11,000 is substantial, but I agree the $2,500 we have been paying is not enough.”
“As I mentioned this is all very preliminary. There will be further discussion down the road,” said Mayor Barker, who said council will consider the annual contribution request from Gore Bay during its budget deliberations.
