A public meeting will be held this week concerning a decision by Chatsworth Council to no longer put ice in at the Desboro Arena.
It will take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the arena’s outdoor pavilion. Submissions can also be made to the Township for those not attending the meeting on July 28.
Township of Chatsworth & District Minor Hockey President Ejaye McComb says the decision to stop offering ice at the Desboro Arena will have a noticeable impact on community recreation as a whole.
“We appreciate the township’s commitment to accommodating minor hockey’s ice requirements in Keady, but other user groups such as broomball, skating, and community recreation at large may be negatively affected which is unfortunate. The Desboro ice surface is an important part of the community,” says McComb.
Chatsworth council made the decision due to financial considerations: approximately $300,000 needs to be invested in equipment and arena repairs for ice to be put in at Desboro again.
More than 1,300 people have endorsed a change.org petition to continue to put ice in at the Desboro Arena.
It says the decision will directly impact minor hockey, with travel already required to other municipalities for ice times.
The petition also notes how the Grey Bruce Ladies Broomball League, the Grey Bruce Men’s Broomball League and the Master’s Ladies Broomball will also be impacted.
Chatsworth Mayor Scott Mackey has yet to respond to a request for comment.
While having worked collaboratively with the Township of Chatsworth, McComb notes he is happy to see the community coming together to support the arena.
“TCDMHA welcomes the possibility of the continued usage of the Desboro arena for our use, and the use of other organizations. We are pleased to see the community rallying support for the arena, and we welcome council’s re-consideration on the matter. We look forward to having a full season of hockey regardless of the outcome,” says McComb.
