Fort Frances could have ice at the Memorial Sports Centre this summer.
Town council will discuss the proposal during a special meeting on the budget.
Recreation and Culture Manager Nathan Young would like to start a pilot project with ice being made available from July 8th to September 14th.
“In the absence of summer ice availability, community members are travelling to other communities that are capitalizing on economic impacts of bringing in visitors,” writes Young in a report to council.
He adds that if summer ice was available, more hockey camps and training opportunities could be permitted.
“In addition, it would allow for local groups to establish summer ice events that will help to drive economic development in the town of Fort Frances through July and August,” states Young.
Young says some user groups he has spoken with would be interested in booking 291 hours during the summer, generating $41,397 in revenue.
There would be another 480 hours available for other users or programs like shinny hockey or public skating.
There would be additional expenses, leaving the town having to pay $5,288 for the eight weeks of ice time.
If approved, Young says he would reach out to user groups to book their time by April 15th.
