by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — It seems people are more interested in complaining instead of finding out the truth.
During Whitewater Region’s council meeting last night, there were short discussions regarding various recreation issues.
The first was that it was reported in Whitewater News there was to be no public skating at the arenas next year. The February 7 published article reports that public skating fees are to be eliminated for next year.
Another concern is that the $25,000 Kraft Hockeyville money has been spent. It has not been spent. For anyone who is interested, that amount is in the budget and beside it is written to be used for accessibility in the Cobden arena.
While Councillor Chris Olmstead was hopeful a statement would be prepared for the public, Councillor Charlene Jackson said if a statement is to be prepared for every incorrect report given to a councillor, no council business would be accomplished.
She noted anyone can come to a council meeting and find out what’s going on, can watch a council meeting as it is happening or afterwards watch it via the youtube channel or read the minutes, that are always available to the public.
However, one complaint that was made is scheduled to be discussed at the next council meeting.
Councillor Neil Nicholson spoke about the poor service provided at the Astrolabe Arena canteen.
“The three arenas are very active community hubs offering great ice access to many different users,” he said. “We are fortunate to have all three arenas also serviced by contracted canteens who help to make our arenas that much more welcoming with hot drinks, great foods and snacks.”
Unfortunately, the contracted service at the Astrolabe Arena needs to be reviewed, Coun. Nicholson said.
“I have received a number of complaints personally, staff have received complaints, there is complaints on the social media page and a number of other councillors who have also received complaints.”
The complaint is that the contractor is not open during minor sports events, he said. This level of support is not in line with what the township wants people to experience in any of its arenas, he added.
“We need to address this,” Coun. Nicholson said.
The social media comment on the township’s facebook page reads: Just like the canteen in Cobden, this service needs to be available and open for all ice times that are booked and confirmed. Not just when the whitewater kings have a game. It doesn’t look good for whitewater region when our Minor hockey team’s house or rep have a game and it’s not opened to service both teams, spectators and refs. Especially when it is -30 outside and you can’t even get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Coun. Nicholson’s intent is that staff review the arena canteen service contracts to ensure they are laying out exactly what this council’s standards are for the public.
“We need to assess the changes we need to make to identify the level of service we expect and what we will do to ensure these standards are met, while also recognizing we want these businesses to remain viable, private enterprises and not municipally-directed enterprises,” Coun. Nicholson stressed.
There is “sufficient public interest” that council must take an interest, he stated.
Following the meeting, Coun. Nicholson admitted he has not received complaints about the canteen at the Beachburg Arena operated by Cathy Horner or about the canteen in the Westmeath Arena operated by Sharon Mustard.
