The Wingham Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) is asking the Town of North Huron to decrease its ice rental rates to be in more in line with surrounding communities.
Trevor Seip, a representative for WMHA and former councillor, presented to the Township on Monday.
He said he did a survey of nearby ice rates and found that North Huron's were much more expensive, at $156/hour before tax. The next closest rate in the area was Listowel at $147, with most charging between $110 to $140.
"I'm going to say this, as when I was one of you, I wanted to make sure we were in the market," he said. "I didn't want us to be the most expensive, I didn't need us to be the cheapest. But I think we have to recognize that we have to be in the market of what's sustainable not only for the Municipality, but what's also sustainable for the (WMHA) and what they serve."
Seip said prices are extra important now, as recent changes to OMHA residency rules that allows players U9 and above to join any association they want.
He told council that means WMHA could be at a big disadvantage if it continues to face the highest rental rates in the area.
"Price becomes more of a conversation than it could ever be," he said. "Because now, with parents, if an association can charge $250 less, am I going to take a good hard look at that now? Maybe. And the biggest expense to Wingham Minor Hockey, or any association, is ice."
The Township is currently undergoing a review of its fees and bylaws for next year as part of the budget process. Its already looking at other changes for recreation pricing, including bringing back a complete membership for the Wescast Community Centre.
