Chatham-Kent council has given the green light to adjusting the municipality’s Summer Ice Policy as part of a pilot project.
West Kent representative Melissa Harrigan brought forward a motion at Monday’s council meeting, saying local user groups have expressed a need for skating time in the summer, but are frustrated with the current process for ice commitment, expressing concern over an additional $50 charge added to ice rates.
According to municipal administration, the projected cost of operating summer ice at one arena for June and July 2026, based on an average of 20-30 hours of weekly ice bookings, is expected to result in a net loss of roughly $20-30,000.
With the pilot project given council approval, any financial shortfall will be covered through strategic reserves.
Administration noted the pilot will allow staff to assess actual demand for summer ice in Chatham-Kent, while also evaluating the financial implications and operational impacts of reallocating staff and resources.
