A request from Tourism Sarnia-Lambton [TSL] for relief of arena rental rates has been tabled.
Executive Director Mark Perrin told council they want to bring back the Holiday Cirque Show.
"This show took place as part of a two day rental at PASA [Progressive Auto Sales Arena] and we did use MAT [Municipal Accommodation Tax] revenue to undersign the event," said Perrin. "The show was very successful, having an attendance of over 3,200 people and generating an economic impact of nearly $300,000 for our economy."
Perrin said it cost $3,400 to rent the rink for the two day event in 2022, and this year the fee is significantly higher.
"When looking at the facility rental charges, this year our draft for rental is $10,500," he said. "The rental fee is an increase of 617 per cent, plus the food and beverage and ticket revenues would go to the City of Sarnia and the Sarnia Sting hockey club."
Perrin asked if the city would consider reversing the fees for the event back to 2022 rental rates, adding 10 per cent for inflation.
Mayor Mike Bradley said there have been too many requests for fee relief this year and believed TSL should be able to pay the bill.
"We've put millions this last couple of years into that place and we're trying to recover our costs," Bradley said. "You can't find a sponsor to pick up those costs, or you can't absorb it in your own budget?"
Councillor Anne Marie Gillis was also taken aback by the request.
"I'm really torn on this one, because as the mayor has been saying, we have something in place and we've had so many people come with dire situations. We don't mind having a community event type of reserve that we can draw on, but we've had a lot more expectations this year than I've ever experienced before," said Gillis.
But, she noted it's important to remember that we're coming out of a pandemic.
"We're trying to get all of our facilities up to speed so they are attractive and can bring in all these lovely things that we want to bring in. But, I'm just struggling with this one Mr. Perrin, I have to say," she added.
Community Services General Manager Stacey Forfar said historically the City of Sarnia has had a variable fee with little criteria, which changed to an hourly rate for 2023 and now charges for services in the building.
"One of them is taking down glass, the other one is [installing] the floor," said Forfar. "Not every event requires that. It's a fairly consistent pattern in terms of managing a building and managing this service and we've had no concerns from other event holders this year, other than this one."
Perrin said TSL is planning a report for council with recommendations on how it can work with the city better to attract and host more big events.
"Currently we have bids for Hockey Canada events, as well as a Tall Ship event, where a better working relationship with both staff and city council would benefit all parties for these events in the future," he said.
Sarnia council has asked staff to report back on the numbers and if any funds are available to assist.