COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING December 8, 2009

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1 609 Minutes of the FOURTEENTH meeting of the Community Services Committee for 2009 being a special meeting held at GL Roberts Collegiate & Vocational Institute, 399 Chaleur Avenue on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Present: Also Present: Absent: Councillor Kolodzie, Chair Councillor Cullen, Vice-Chair (left at 8:26 p.m.) Councillor Sholdra, Member (entered at 6:43 p.m.) Councillor Marimpietri, Member Councillor Neal, Member (entered at 6:39 p.m.) Mayor Gray, Ex-Officio Councillor Henry (left at 8:11 p.m.) Councillor Parkes Councillor Pidwerbecki Councillor Nicholson M. Pringle, Committee Co-ordinator K. Bressan, Council Meeting Co-ordinator S. Bertoia, Commissioner, Community Services Department M. Creighton, Director of Recreation E. McDonald, Manager, Business Development None. The Chair outlined the purpose and format of the public meeting. CS Presentation: Ice Facility Rationalization and Future Ice Needs (All Wards) The Director of Recreation gave a presentation providing background information concerning ice facility rationalization stating ice rationalization considers the community needs, the number of facilities required and the City s cost to operate programs and maintain facilities. The Director also provided statistical information regarding ice demand and analysis for the years 2006 to 2021 and provided a summary of various options currently being considered. The Committee questioned the Commissioner, Community Services Department and the Director of Recreation. Councillors Neal and Sholdra entered the meeting. The Chair asked if any members of the public wished to address the Committee concerning this matter.

2 Cheri Ostroskie addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating additional ice at Canlan Ice Sports is not ideal because the facility does not provide adequate dressing rooms for female hockey players and allows the consumption of alcohol which is not ideal for a family-oriented arena. Cheri Ostroskie also stated one of the benefits of having Harman Park arena remain open is that recreational activities and organized sports provide a positive influence to youth in the community and noted our population is growing which will mean there will be future demand for ice. The delegate also suggested there needs to be an adjustment to the definition of prime time hours in staff s assessment calculation. Ron Guiltnan, Chairman, NASC addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and provided a historical perspective of ice usage in Oshawa. Ron Guiltnan noted that although there are many concerns at Harman Park arena, including the broken dehumidifier and accessibility issues, the arena should remain open and asked that future votes on the matter be recorded. Bob Babin, NASC addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating the City does not have an oversupply of prime time ice and noted Oshawa is a bedroom community so many parents, coaches, managers and trainers commute a distance to work and are unable to get their children to arenas by 5:00 p.m. Bob Babin further noted Harman Park arena was built in 1969 and is still in good repair with no visible structural damage, rust or moisture issues and advised the only current mechanical problem is the $85.00 dehumidifier part on the south pad that needs replacement. Bob Babin stated NASC hockey currently has 43 of its 58 hours at Harman Park arena and the removal of one pad would eliminate their ability to deliver instructional programs. Doug Smart, representative of the Oshawa Ball Hockey Association and Simcoe Men s League addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating the ball hockey association needs a twin pad to run their program and currently uses Harman Park arena to house their 52 teams. It was reported that several players have represented Oshawa on Canadian and National teams and have won gold medals; Doug Smart stated Harman Park arena is a great facility and is needed in the south end of Oshawa. Jim Mochan, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee requesting clarification concerning the figures presented in the staff presentation regarding capital replacement costs. George Milosh, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee expressing concern about the spending of tax dollars and cited various examples of frivolous spending which could have been put towards the repairs needed at Harman Park arena. Christopher Rutkowski, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena.

3 Denise Stauffer, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and expressed frustration NASC Hockey is not allowed to display their trophies at the Legends Centre or Donevan Recreation Complex and noted there is no display space at Harman Park arena. Denise Stauffer also stated there is not enough ice in Oshawa for tournaments and expressed concern about being bumped for social events at various facilities. The delegate also stated the $25.00 surcharge per player should be directly applied to the Harman Park arena and instead of considering an increase the City should consider securing corporate sponsors. Cathy Crystal, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and stated staff mentioned there is unallocated ice time but questioned when those hours were available and questioned if the allocated ice hours for the year take into consideration any of the extra ice hours that have been purchased since the matrix was released. Cathy Crystal also expressed frustration about being relocated several times at the General Motors Centre due to events and advised that Canlan Ice Sports is not a viable option as the parents are behind glass and they allow the consumption of alcohol. In addition, Cathy Crystal advised an April closure is not feasible because try-outs are held in April and May and stated if she was required to start September 1 the league would not exist because they would not be ready for play by the middle of September. Bob Crystal, representative of the Ontario Minor Hockey League addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and expressed concern with the City s classification of prime time hours stating parents and kids cannot be at the arena for 4:00 p.m. Bob Crystal also expressed concern about the notification for the public meeting advising he only heard about the meeting through the grapevine and further stated if ice is being sold to Whitby or Clarington they should be required to pay market rate. Bill Swindells, representative of the Oshawa Church Hockey League addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and expressed concern about the potential loss of ice time that would limit any future program expansion and stated the City of Oshawa has a responsibility to provide recreational opportunities at a reasonable cost and requested that no ice be eliminated. Dave Glazier, resident of Clarington addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating the arena is a well-utilized facility offering a wide variety of programs in the evening and weekends and noting the facility is well-maintained by staff. Dave Glazier also reported his father who uses a wheelchair has frequently attended games at the arena and has been accommodated by using a lift. Lily Glazier, resident of Clarington addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating hockey players will have nowhere to go if the arena is closed and noted the facility is always well-maintained and clean.

4 Candace McCleave, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating although Harman Park arena is older it is well maintained and questioned what would happen to current users if the arena is closed. Candace McCleave also stated recreational sports such as hockey keeps youth out of trouble and advised if the arena is closed a new facility must be built first (in the south end), as the commute to the north end is too long. Steve Millar, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating if one pad was closed it would eliminate the instructional programs offered at the arena and would ruin the NASC league established since Andrew Platt, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and suggested various opportunities to increase revenue by advertising with local businesses, opening a pro shop, and better advertisement of ice time available to rent for recreational use. Andrew Platt stated the energy at Harman Park is good and the facility can become a showpiece for Oshawa if Council focuses on the positive rather than the negative. Martha Boate, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena expressing concern with the proposal from Canlan Ice Sports due to the consumption of alcohol. Martha Boate stated the closure of Harman Park is not the solution as volunteers and patrons in the south end depend on the facility and commuting to the north end is not a viable option. The delegate reported the facility is well-used and requested the City recognize the number of volunteer hours required to run hockey programs. Derrick Leaney, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and expressed concern about the user fees paid by parents for their kids to participate in ball hockey and slo-pitch and stated although Canlan Ice Sports is a nice facility it is not the solution as user fees would be increased even more. Skylar Walley and Lauren Millar, residents of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park area stating they love the facility because it s close to home and noted Josh Bailey of the New York Islanders claims Harman Park arena is his favourite place to play. Ray Jones, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating he s experienced years of ice shortage in Oshawa and expressing concern about the potential closure of one of the City s recreational facilities and regarding the general lack of facilities and services for the people living in South Oshawa.

5 Randy Stauffer, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating it s the best ice in the City and the facility is well maintained and expressing concern about bumping that occurs at other facilities due to tournaments, events etc. which is not fair for the kids. Randy Stauffer also stated the proposal by Canlan Ice Sports is not viable as they currently operate rinks which do not meet the legal specifications and advised Harman Park arena is well-utilized particularly in the evenings and weekends and many kids can walk to the facility rather than trying to commute to the north end. Jimmy Mochan, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating the ice is some of the best in Oshawa and the facility is well-maintained. Jimmy Mochan also expressed concerned about being bumped from other facilities due to tournaments, events etc. and noted many people use the arena for public skating. Nathan Chaulk, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena. Dakota McIntyre, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating it s difficult for some people to commute to the north end and noting recreational sports helps to keep youth out of trouble. Keith Glazier, resident of Bowmanville addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating he teaches young kids power skating and they won t have anywhere else to go if the arena is closed. Councillor Henry left the meeting. Josh Chaulk, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating it s too difficult to get to other arenas in Oshawa and noting the ice is good and the staff is friendly. Ryan McIntryre, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena. Connor Machan, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating it s the best arena he s ever seen. Kevin Chu, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena. William Thurber, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating recreational opportunities and organized sports helps youth stay active and out of trouble.

6 Randy Enman, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating the closure of the arena is only being proposed to save money and although the facility could use some repairs it is valuable to the community and should be maintained. Paul Bourque, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating Council had no problem spending extra money on the City Hall revitalization plan but cannot spend money on upgrading Harman Park arena and requested Council to reconsider the use of tax dollars. Kathy Babin, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating the children in the audience are the future of Oshawa. Judy Redmond, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating volunteers depend on the location in the south end and questioned if Council has considered its impact to the environment if the arena is demolished and the construction materials end up in a landfill. David Abranczuk, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena expressing concern regarding the lack of space for summer sports and stated when lacrosse comes back to Oshawa there will be issues. Gloria McLean, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena stating she s been a resident in the south end of Oshawa all her life and noted the community will rally against the closure of this arena. Victoria Tunney, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena advising kids are passionate about the sport of hockey and noting the facility should remain open. Carol Allred, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena questioning why the south end is losing all of its facilities and stating there is a need for ice time in the south end of Oshawa and commuting to the north end can be very difficult. Councillor Cullen left the meeting. Kyle Catherwood, resident of Oshawa addressed Committee in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena. The Chair asked if any other members of the public wished to address the Committee concerning this matter; no further deputations were given.

7 CS Cheri Ostrokskie Request to Address Committee Concerning Ice Facility Rationalization and Future Ice Needs (All Wards) The Committee reviewed Correspondence CS dated December 2, 2009 from Cheri Ostroskie requesting to address committee concerning ice facility rationalization and future ice needs in the City of Oshawa. Moved by Councillor Marimpietri, That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council: That Correspondence CS dated December 2, 2009 from Cheri Ostroskie requesting to address committee concerning ice facility rationalization and future ice needs in the City of Oshawa be received for information. CARRIED CS Mike Kube Submitting Comments Concerning Ice Facility Rationalization and Future Ice Needs CS Mike Kube Submitting Comments Concerning Ice Facility Rationalization and Future Ice Needs (All Wards) The Committee reviewed Correspondence CS dated November 30, 2009 and Correspondence CS dated December 1, 2009 from Mike Kube submitting comments in opposition to the potential closure of Harman Park arena and expressing concern about being bumped from various facilities for tournaments, events etc. The author further requested the General Motors Centre not be considered 100% available ice when calculating ice allocation and stated if the General Motors Centre was removed from the calculation the numbers should show that there is not an excess of ice in the City. Moved by Councillor Marimpietri, That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council: That Correspondence CS dated November 30, 2009 and Correspondence CS dated December 1, 2009 from Mike Kube submitting comments regarding ice facility rationalization and future ice needs be received for information. CARRIED CS Doug Smart Request to Address Committee Concerning Ice Facility Rationalization and Future Ice Needs (All Wards) The Committee reviewed Correspondence CS dated December 7, 2009 from Doug Smart, CEO Oshawa Ball Hockey Association requesting to address Committee concerning ice facility rationalization and future ice needs in the City of Oshawa.

8 Moved by Councillor Maripietri, That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council: That Correspondence CS dated December 7, 2009 from Doug Smart, CEO Oshawa Ball Hockey Association requesting to address Committee concerning ice facility rationalization and future ice needs in the City of Oshawa be received for information. CARRIED Moved by Councillor Neal, That the meeting adjourn. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

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