THUNDER BAY – The cost to rent ice in Thunder Bay will be increasing in April.
With council approving the 2024 operating and capital budget, the indoor arena hourly ice rental rates are going to increase by over 10 per cent as compared to 2023 rates.
Minor hockey groups will now pay $163 an hour compared to $148.17 in 2023 while adult groups will be charged $207 an hour to rent ice, which used to be $187.39.
Non-prime time adult groups will pay $173 an hour as compared to $157.19 in 2023.
In an email March 11, general manager Kelly Robertson noted that summer ice will see an increase of between 10.45 per cent and 13.19 per cent depending on the duration of rental and the day and time that rental is booked.
“Consultation with ice users was conducted during the summer of 2023 following council’s consideration of the 2023 budget and their direction to staff was to provide options to reduce the 2024 operating budget by $1.5 million through new revenues or cost savings,” Robertson said.
“The proposed closure of the Neebing arena was provided as one option to achieve the council directed savings.
“Engagement with ice users in July 2023 confirmed minimal support for the proposed closure of an indoor arena. However, ice users did support paying increased fees for ice rentals.”
During the public feedback that was shared with council in August, 87 per cent of the 222 survey respondents told city staff that they are willing to pay more for their ice time at city arenas in 2024, but any number higher than five per cent would need to be implemented over a three-year period.
Administration told council that the current ice use fees are below other markets in Northern Ontario.
