Survey says residents support NDCC repairs
Mulmur council has chosen to deplete some of its reserve funds to pay for repairs to the North Dufferin Community Centre.
At its April 3 meeting, council members voted 4-1 to amend the 2024 capital budget to allocate funds covering all expenses associated with replacing the ice pad and roof at the arena located in Honeywood.
The initial spend for the ice pad repairs and replacement of the boards is pegged at $1.5 million. Council also approved an additional $130,000 to repair the leaking roof.
A survey conducted last month found that 88 per cent of the 525 respondents support spending the money to repair the ice pad andcoolant system to ensure the ongoing operation of the arena (412, or 79 per cent, of those respondents identified as residents of Mulmur).
Councillor Patty Clark had the dissenting vote due to concerns about the integrity of the survey. She said communication was simplistic, biased, and optimistic in its tone. She said she doesn’t believe people had all the information they needed to make a decision.
“I know the survey wasn’t perfect but it was better than nothing,” said Deputy Mayor Earl Hawkins.
He spoke of the cultural significance of the arena, saying that it produced two NHL players – Bert Wilson and Aaron Downey.
“It’s a wonder that building isn’t a heritage building,” said Hawkins. “I am in favour of doing the repairs now that have to be done.”
Township staff has determined that the repairs can be funded from reserves, without triggering a tax increase.
“We do have reserves sufficient enough if council chooses to do this project, to fund it without causing a major problem,” said treasurer Heather Boston.
To find the $1.5 million, the funds will be taken from a number of different reserves: $622,150 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Fund (maintaining a balance of $500,000); $409,347 from Efficiency Reserves; $76,310 from Recreation Building Reserves; $113,310 from the Legal Contingency Reserve; $100,000 from the Planning and Bylaw Reserves; and $178,883 plus the additional roof repair costs from Road Reserves (to be replenished through scheduled contributions).
Although the ice pad repairs costs are known, the roof repairs are only estimates at this time.
“Mulmur council has an opportunity to show its commitment to this community and its residents. Allowing for the continued legacy of the Honeywood arena to develop youth through sport and competition,” said Councillor Andrew Cunningham, choking up. “It is a facility that was built by the community for the community and has been a hive of activity for social gatherings over its years. Although over time it has been neglected, this old barn still has lots of life left in it.”
He said investments from community members, municipal partners, corporate donors and grants will be essential to its success.
The survey also found that 39 per cent of respondents said they would be willing to donate or help with future fundraising activities.
A committee to manage fundraising efforts will be struck including members of the community, council representation and township staff.
Editor’s note: A correction is needed to clarify the March 15 article “Mulmur council seeks public support for arena upgrades.” A three per cent tax increase would only be needed if the remaining balance in the tax rate stabilization reserve was used to fund arena repairs. With the funds being taken from a number of other reserves that can be replenished through the regular contribution schedule, no tax increase is required. The Echo apologizes for the error.
