Allocation is about equitable access
Editor:
I would appreciate the opportunity to respond to the recent discussion surrounding Clearview Township’s ice allocation policy, as I believe it is important that council, township staff, and the broader community fully understand the regional role Collingwood Girls Hockey plays in providing opportunities for young female athletes across our area.
In response to the May 8 article, Ice allocation policy cause for concern by long-time users: While some have framed this discussion as being specifically about Collingwood Girls Hockey, the reality is much broader. This is about equitable access to youth sports programming and ensuring young athletes across our region have opportunities to play and develop in their home communities.
The Collingwood Girls Hockey Association proudly serves families from Collingwood, Clearview, Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountains, and surrounding areas. More than 100 Clearview families currently participate in our association — families who pay municipal taxes, volunteer countless hours, support local facilities, and contribute to the broader recreation community.
As the officially recognized representative girls hockey association for this region through the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, our responsibility is to provide opportunities for female athletes across these municipalities. Unlike some traditional sports organizations, girls hockey often requires a broader regional model to create sustainable teams and meaningful development opportunities for players.
This conversation should not become about “outsiders” versus “local users,” nor should it focus solely on whether the association name is “Collingwood” or “South Georgian Bay.” The fact remains that we are the designated girls hockey association serving these communities, and the families we represent are local families. They attend local schools, work locally, volunteer locally, and support the same arenas and recreation systems as everyone else.
We respect and appreciate the long-standing history of adult user groups that have supported these facilities for decades. However, municipalities also have a responsibility to respond to evolving recreation needs and increasing demand for youth programming. The intent of the allocation policy is not to displace existing users, but to create fair and reasonable access for youth organizations — including girls hockey, a sport that has historically had fewer opportunities and less access to ice time.
This conversation should not become about geography or branding. It should remain focused on supporting youth sports, encouraging participation, and ensuring young athletes have opportunities to develop, compete, and belong.
Our association continues to work collaboratively with municipalities and facility partners to do what is best for players and families across all four communities we serve. Like many minor sports organizations, we are simply doing our best to balance growth, access, scheduling realities, and the needs of local families.
This is not simply a “Collingwood Girls Hockey” issue. It is a regional youth sport issue. At the end of the day, this conversation should remain focused on what is best for kids, families, and the long-term health of community recreation.
For further context, much like any regional organization, our Lightning executive board is made up of representatives from all four municipalities we serve: Collingwood (9), Clearview (8), Wasaga Beach (5), and Blue Mountains (1). Our board members live, work, and volunteer throughout the Georgian Triangle region — the same region our association proudly supports and services.
Thank you to council, township staff, and community members for continuing to engage in these important conversations. We remain committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with all user groups to ensure youth in our region continue to have access to positive, inclusive, and sustainable recreation opportunities for years to come.
Ivy Leishman-Martin,
Founding member, past president Collingwood Lightning Girls Hockey
