Future Of OTR Hockey Subsidy Unclear

Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 107.5 KISSFM 05 September 2014 06:00

Okanagan Training Rink

Greater Vernon Minor Hockey will continue to get a subsidized rate to use the privately owned Okanagan Training Rink -- at least until the end of this year. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee director Jim Garlick says the board will make a decision beyond that, after getting a staff report on use at the three public ice rinks. "We could be looking at other locations, but we don;t know that yet because we haven't had enough information," says Garlick. The Regional District of North Okanagan has paid half of the $154 dollar an hour rental fee at OTR for many years, which has allowed minor hockey to keep their fees down, and provide better ice times for younger players. The ice rinks are now operated by the city of Vernon, which could lead to policy changes. RDNO staff say the OTR subsidy has amounted to about $24,000 a year. "I think (continuing) it will be based on Doug Ross (City of Vernon's Rec Services Manager) taking a look at the ice sheets we have, and finding out how they are used at this time, and how to get the best use," adds Garlick.