The town hall in Quispamsis. (Staff photo)
The mayor of Quispamsis is clarifying “misinformation” around the delay in reopening the Quispamsis Memorial Arena.
While the qplex will gradually reopen later this month, the ice at the QMA will not be ready until at least mid-December.
Council has received at least two letters in recent weeks asking for the Quispamsis Memorial Arena to be reopened sooner.
Speaking during Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Gary Clark said the pandemic has forced everyone to make difficult decisions, and Quispamsis is no exception.
“To avoid a deficit at the end of the year, some of our heavily-subsidized recreational facilities have been temporarily closed,” said Clark. “As we move towards the fall and winter season and many unknowns, we are planning for a safe reopening of our two major indoor facilities.”
The ice surface at the qplex will open with reduced hours and staffing on Sept. 21. The walking track is set to open Sept. 28, followed by the conference centre on Oct. 1.
“We know that youth groups prefer to rent the QMA over the qplex because of the town’s subsidy that provides them with lower rates,” said Clark. “We have opened the qplex first due to the amenities that the facility offers for a variety of residents other than ice users.”
Additional ice time will be available for minor hockey at the qplex at the start of the season as the high school and Saint John Vito’s games are delayed, said Clark.
The town has added a 7 a.m. ice time Monday through Friday for high school and minor hockey. Staff are also considering opening two hours earlier at 2 p.m. if there is demand from youth associations or other users.
“Staff have been in constant communication with user groups and most are satisfied with the draft schedule,” said Clark. “They realize that things are different and that this pain is short-term.”
Even though the ice at the QMA will not be ready until later this year, Clark said the facility will not sit idle this fall.
Fundy Lacross will use the facility 10 to 12 hours a week until the end of November. Staff plan to start making ice at the first of December.
“Many people, businesses and organizations have been forced to transition during this pandemic. We appreciate the understanding and the patience shown by our residents during this time as we make every effort to be fiscally responsible to all taxpayers in the town of Quispamsis.”
Quispamsis ended the first half of the year with a surplus of $248,000, but staff say it is too early to predict if it will continue.
Even though expenses were under budget by nearly $450,000 during the first six months of 2020, staff expect costs will “significantly increase” as facilities like the qplex and the QMA reopen.
Krista Brandon, the town’s treasurer, said revenue is expected to remain below budget as the town is only “slightly opening up” its recreation facilities.
“The fall will tell and we are watching things very closely,” said Brandon.
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