(photo from Georgian Bluffs council files)
The ice surface at the Shallow Lake Arena is staying in a month longer than originally anticipated this spring.
Georgian Bluffs Committee of the Whole voted unanimously at its meeting Wednesday to extend the ice season at the arena until April 30.
Coun. Paul Sutherland said: “I think there’s a lot of parents who paid a lot of money for their children to play sports this year … so I think it’s a great idea.”
Georgian Bluffs Director of Operations Steve Dollmaier told councillors Public Health recently reviewed and endorsed the township’s safety plan at the rink.
Coun. Grant Pringle asked if the rental business is strong enough to ensure extending the ice season is worthwhile (financially).
The township’s Director of Operations assured the interest is there and noted there are other arenas in the area where the ice is already out, allowing some additional bookings to be picked up.
Dollmaier noted township staff also reached out to local organizations who use the facility when the ice is taken out — including lacrosse teams and roller derby — and they were willing to utilize the Killsyth and Kemble arenas as needed until the end of April.