The definition of prime time ice at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances could be changing.
The town’s Community Services Committee is recommending the time between 6-8 a.m. on weekdays revert to non-prime time status.
It offers users a lower rate than what’s paid for prime ice times.
Community Services Manager Jason Kabel says a move of Fort Frances Lakers practice time to the early morning timeslot to accommodate Fort Frances High School’s request for more ice for its hockey academy led to a review.
“Their plea was, while we’re making this accommodation for you based on your extra demands for this ice, for the ice which is a good thing, it may make sense to recognize that $70.45 rate,” says Kabel.
Kabel notes the Borderland Skating Club has been a traditional user of the early morning hour as have some minor hockey teams. If the change is approved, they too would benefit from the lower rate. Kabel adds the time slot hasn’t been as attractive as it once was.
“We have now a lot more ice surface that people are renting that expands the prime time ice available to all user groups. I suppose that what has happened to this early morning ice is that it isn’t really prime time anymore.”
The issue comes before council next week.
