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Orangeville minor ice user groups fees review – At its meeting on February 8, 2021, Council had deferred a report by staff regarding a request by the Orangeville Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), the Orangeville Girls Hockey Association (OGHA) and Skate Canada Orangeville for a 50 percent reduction in ice permit fees from December 14, 2020 to the end of the 2020/2021 ice season. The three groups delegated to Council.

Michelle Whyte, Don Williamson and James Herr, represented the Orangeville Girls Hockey Association. They reported that the association’s revenues are down by $32,000 from last year, due to a decrease in registration and fees, fewer sponsors, and the inability to run any tournaments. With the situation to remain unchanged for the time being, the association is requested a 50 percent reduction in their approximate $250,000 in ice rental fees, to offset their deficit.

Louise Johnson, Skate Canada, outlined the financial situation that the skate program is facing and also requested a reduction in ice fees. Under the current Red Zone restrictions, Skate Canada will only be able to offer their Starskate (figure skating) program, which will need to have significant fee hikes to break even – 82-121 percent. Typically, the Canskate and Powerskate programs would offset the losses usually incurred by this program. The Starskate program could be offered to 10 participants in two, five-week sessions, if enough ice time can be secured.

Rick Stevens, Scott Lawson and Terry Sheppard presented the Orangeville Minor Hockey Association’s impacted finances. The Red level designation resulted in a reduction in the number of players per team (8-10 as opposed to 15), and therefore the association needed to create more teams, necessitating more volunteers and certifications for coaching.

After deliberation, Council approved the use of two ice pads at a non-prime ice user fee rate of $116.73 per hour (as approved in the Rates & Fees By-Law) retroactive to December 14, 2020 and extending the ice until the end of April, 2021.

At the non-prime rate ($116.73 per hour) rather than a 50 percent reduction rate, and only two ice pads in use, the total revenue collected for the 2020/2021 season will be $403,894 a decrease of 27 percent over the anticipated revenue of $554,639 and a decrease of 45 percent over the 2019/2020 season.

An extension of two ice pads in Alder still allows for dry surfaces on two pads to allow a compromise for lacrosse and potentially other dry uses such as Farmers Market, indoor soccer and ball hockey, resulting in more revenue generation from both ice and dry activities.

Staff were requested to report back on extending a fee reduction to other user groups.

Edgewood Valley Phase 2B Plan of Subdivision approved – Council received a staff report and voted to amend Zoning By-law No. 22-90 as amended, to rezone the subject lands from Development (D) and Open Space Conservation (OS2) Zones to:

  1. Residential Fourth Density (R4) Zone with Special Provisions 24.169 and 24.170 and subject to a Holding (H) Symbol; and
  2. Multiple Residential Medium Density (RM1) Zone with Special Provisions 24.226 and subject to a Holding (H) Symbol; and
  3. Open Space Conservation (OS2) Zone

The Draft Plan of Subdivision was approved, subject to the conditions of draft approval.

Cancellation of February 22 Council meeting – Council voted to cancel the February 22 meeting of Council.

Orangeville Otters Swim Club correspondence – Council received correspondence from Rob Taylor, Head Coach of the Orangeville Otters Swim Club, requesting Council’s consideration of a reduction of pool rental fees.

CRYNOT, Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Day, proclamation request – Council declared February 22, 2021 as Human Trafficking Prevention Day in the Town of Orangeville. 

Probus Club of Orangeville, proclamation request – Council declared March as Probus Club Month in the Town of Orangeville.

AGCO licensing and application process for cannabis retail stores – Council resolved to request the province to amend its licensing and application process for Cannabis Retail Stores to consider radial separation from other cannabis locations.

New business – vaccination site – Council directed the CAO to work with Public Health and the County of Dufferin to facilitate the set-up of red rink at Alder Recreation Centre as a vaccination site.