COBDEN — The rental fee of $2,500 for the Cobden arena’s parking lot to be used for Taste of the Valley, is leaving a bad taste in the mouths of Whitewater Region’s Township recreation committee members.
The fee is being charged by the Cobden Recreation Association, even though council owns the property, but its use is operated by the association. However, there is no agreement between the two, because the last agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2011.
In reviewing notes at last Wednesday’s rec committee meeting, which were prepared by former treasurer Annette Mantifel, it was noted the agreement between the township and the Cobden Recreation Association expired years ago. A new agreement was not signed because the Association did not agree with certain parts in it.
As for the Beachburg and Westmeath arenas, council has signed agreements with the two recreation associations until December 31, 2026.
Reeve Terry Millar noted a new agreement will have to be signed with Cobden recreation.
As for the rental fee, he’s not happy with it.
“I am against us renting land we own,” he said. “I know all the good they do, but they shouldn’t have the power to affect something that is so big in our municipality.”
Councillor Charlene Jackson questioned how the Association will lose revenue, which is the reason it wants to charge the rental fee.
“People can still walk to the rink,” she said. “We should not have to pay rent on property we own.”
It must be noted the township is the owner of all three indoor arenas.
Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons noted there is supposed to be a council rep on the Cobden Recreation Association, and there isn’t, adding it is operating in “a very autonomous fashion. We need to bring that situation back into compliance.”
Coun. Jackson noted there is to be council representation on all three associations. It was pointed out that until the election, former mayor Jim Labow is a member of the executive on the Beachburg’s rec association, so he was also able to represent council. Mr. Labow is still a member of the executive.
CAO FitzSimons said there is currently no council rep on any of the associations and there has been sporadic reporting from Westmeath and Beachburg.
“It’s time for council to look at the big picture with recreation and the facilities we own,” she said.
As an example, she noted there are children’s program and camps at the Westmeath Arena, who is liable if there’s an accident.
“I’m leery of the liability issues when we don’t know the programs that are running,” she added. “I believe we would be liable.”
It’s time to negotiate with all three rec associations, Coun. Jackson said. Then, it will be time to look at Foresters Falls and all the other outdoor arenas, she added.
Councillor Chris Olmstead said discussions have to take place with all three of the large recreation associations. As rec committee chairman, he said, “I’ll take it upon myself to look at a structure for all of the township.”
Mayor Hal Johnson said it’s important to look at the future before the buildings begin falling apart.
“We can’t afford to see the buildings fall apart,” he said. “We also can’t upset the people who are working at the buildings. We just need help.”
Coun. Jackson suggested ideas be brought back to the recreation committee before anything is done.
Coun. Olmstead said for now it’s a fact-finding mission.
Coun. Jackson said the agreement should be updated, but questioned if Cobden Rec Association has been advised of what the committee is doing.
CAO FitzSimons said the report for the committee is information provided for the committee. A new agreement or bylaw has not been prepared.
A recommendation to be approved by council was passed that council update the Cobden and District Recreation Association Operating Authority Bylaw 1986, including appointing a member of council to the association and that a new updated Cobden arena lease agreement be signed between the two parties.
