Ruth Vandewalle and Marjorie Kent made a presentation on behalf of the Mount Brydges Skating Club. The programs they offer are Canskate and Starskate. The registration over the past 4 years are as follows: 2017/18- 110 skaters, 2018/19- 97 skaters, 2019/20- 113 skaters and 2020/21- 87 skaters. They currently rent 12 hours a week in ice time. The ice time is divided between 10 hours at the Tri-Township Arena and 2 hours at the Gemini Sportsplex. The group feels that the Nustadia reports comments on the decreasing of interests in ice sports would be transferred to this community is not the case. They feel that ice sports are a increasing sport across the province. They also added that despite the reports data, the community is continue to grow. Finally, they expressed that the relationship with the Chippewa of the Thames should be a priority and it would be a huge loss as well as an opportunity to lead by example.
Mayor Vanderheyden expresses that the Nustadia Report was shared with the Chippewa of the Thames and Council has been in contact with them.
Councillor Pelkman thanks the Mount Brydges Skating Club for their presentation and asks how the time of year effects the community as a whole in the terms of community building. Marjorie Kent explains that changing things effects every family. The yearly skating carnival has 2 shows and are always sold out.
Councillor Brennan asks number of hours of ice time and how many are in the Tri Township versus the Gemini Sportsplex. Ruth Vanderwalle explains that they retain a total of 12 hours per week, 10 hours at the Tri Township and 2 hours at the Gemini Sportsplex.
Councillor Flegel notes that the need for more ice time seems to be consistent with many organizations. He asks what age groups are in the 4:00 p.m. time slot. Ruth Vandewalle indicates that the more senior skaters will attend this earlier time slot and the younger skaters will come later so parents can bring them. Councillor Flegel asks if they envision a program that could be run through the day, that would assist with available ice time as well. Ruth Vandewalle indicates that the group has had these discussions and are looking at adult taught groups during day time hours.
Councillor Pelkman questions the jump in registration prior to Covid-19, he wonders how many more can you accommodate before you need to expand your ice time. Ruth Vandewalle indicates that form a Canskate perspective there is room but form a Senior ice perspective, it does get a little crowded so going forward more ice may be needed.