Editor:
Re: “Not enough ice demand” by Lori Pratt, Letters, April 2.
As registrar for both the SCSC and SCMHA, contrary to director Pratt’s statement, I assure you, there is enough demand; however, the moving “goal posts” of variable ice costs make it impossible to achieve. It’s significant to note that after years of requesting the breakdown of the incremental ice costs during the shoulder seasons, reports are still not available. I’d be very interested to know where Lori’s $7500/week comes from and what it is composed of. The costs of running our public recreation should be transparent, including the breakdown between facilities. We should know exactly what it costs to run an ice arena with ice and without. Expenses for spring and summer ice should be fair and equitable, advocating every possible solution to help keep ice installed in one of the two facilities.
The Sechelt ice arena will now sit virtually unused until ice is reinstalled in September, a crying shame considering our youth are travelling off coast for ice, missing in-school instruction, work and other activities. I can assume the variable cost of the facility is not being met while empty, but what is the variable cost of an empty facility?
This battle over ice has carried on far too long, greatly impacting the relationship between SCRD staff and volunteers. There is no longer collaboration, only hostility and frustration. Lori’s letter is patronizing, misleading and shows the blatant disregard for our hard-working volunteers, who provide quality ice programming for youth in our communities. Programming requires advance preparation and planning, and cannot be organized with two weeks’ notice. Our programming provides a safe place, under responsible adult supervision, to learn, play and grow. It provides opportunities to learn teamwork, discipline, dedication and resilience. This should be held in the highest regard, valued and respected. Instead, our volunteers feel that our request to keep ice installed is a hindrance to the staff and board. Recreation centres are the hub of a community, COVID or not, but to achieve this there must be integrity, foresight but most of all, partnership.
Kate Turner,
Registrar, Sunshine Coast Skating Club
Registrar, Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association
