Beachburg Arena Natural Ice – Councillor Dave Mackay
Recommendation: Whereas, the Beachburg Arena provides a place for residents and user groups to enjoy recreational activities including ice skating.
Whereas, a delayed opening for ice operations to the first quarter of 2023, was approved to ensure the safe operation of the building, specifically related to the plant room structure.
Whereas, Council has directed staff to report back prior to the 2023 budget on all required capital works for the Beachburg Arena for the immediate term and beyond.
Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region direct staff to review the possibility of natural ice at the Beachburg location for the 22/23 winter season.
“Hopefully we can do thos because we need something, there’s nothing.” Councillor Mackay said.
“Have you heard anything from residents and users in the Beachburg area?” Councillor Chris Olmstead asked. “I find it kind of scary that I haven’t heard anything.”
Councillor Mackay said he’d heard things “all over” but didn’t give specifics.
“I think that when the season changes we’ll hear a lot more.” he said.
Councillor McLaughlin asked if they’d had an outdoor natural ice rink before.
“That was the recreational committee staff, not the Township.” Mayor Moore said.
He said that this notice of motion was a ‘starting point’, and the staff report and future action would not come until after the election.
“We have been discussing behind the scenes with Councillor Mackay about alternatives to the current situation.” Councillor Olmstead added. “I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up.”
The motion was carried.
Muskrat Lake Fishing Tournaments – Councillor Daryl McLaughlin
Recommendation: Whereas, Muskrat Lake serves as a community amenity for the recreational purposes including fishing.
Whereas, the Cobden Boat Launch is one of three launches available to the public to access Muskrat Lake and is frequently used for fishing tournaments.
Whereas, the Township has an adopted fees and charges for all municipal departments which establishes boat launch fees for organized fishing tournament.
Therefore the Council of Township of Whitewater Region direct staff to provide a report regarding the number of tournaments organized on Muskrat Lake, and the associated revenue.
“There’s a lot of tournaments on the Muskrat Lake, and the big boats churn up all the weeds and by the next day, all of that turned up on the shore.” Councillor McLaughlin said.
“I don’t know what kind of revenue we’re getting or even how many of them there are. I think that is something we should look into.”
“I haven’t heard of any messes they’re leaving, I have heard residents saying they’ve been coming within a few feet of their docks.” Councillor Chris Olmstead said. “They said the fishermen aren’t being very pleasant to them.”
“I’ve also heard them say there’s too many tournaments.”
Councillor McLaughlin said that he specifically was referring to weeds washing up on the shore, and that the complaints were not of littering from the tournament boats.
Councillor Mackay asked if the tournaments were paying their fee to use the Muskrat Lake docks.
“They’re supposed to.” Mayor Mike Moore said. It’s the organizers’ responsibility.”
Deputy Mayor Cathy Regier asked if this applied only to Muskrat Lake and not every body of water.
Mayor Moore said that there was the Lapasse boat launch, but the Westmeath launch was currently inaccessible.
CAO Burton said that there is a fee for fishing tournaments, but not a specific fee for the Lapasse Launch itself that might cover all uses.
“I know there are gaps.” he said.
The motion was carried.
