Greater Vernon taxpayers could keep subsidizing some activities at a private arena.
The Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association wants the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to continue helping with rent at Okanagan Training Rink for children as young as four-years-old.
“These are our younger players and the smaller ice surface is beneficial to their development,” states a letter from GVMHA staff and the executive.
“Also, the city does not have enough ice hours to fit our younger divisions in.”
GVAC has subsidized the cost of OTR by half annually. It is currently charged $77.18 an hour, including taxes.
“It (subsidy) enables us to continue to provide affordable hockey to our younger players,” said Jodi Peshko, with GVMHA.
GVAC director Bob Fleming says public arenas should be used more but he understands GVMA’s request.
“The issue for this age category is they can use OTR right after school. It could be difficult to make up that time at the other rinks,” he said.
GVAC directors are awaiting a staff report before making a decision.
