Arena changes a community issue

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register “Decision time” about the Kingston arena is on the horizon, says Kingston recreation commissioner Lorne Reid.

At the June 10 meeting of the commission, Reid explained the village recreation committee, which he chairs, and the Western Kings Arena Association (WKAA), operators of the rink; are now working to develop a “viable proposal” for the arena should 14 Wing Greenwood go ahead and build a proposed two-pad arena complex.

A consultant’s report has indicated the communities of Kingston/ Greenwood can only support two arenas. Even if that project doesn’t materialize, he said the WKAA may be facing some hefty facility maintenance expenses. He pointed to incoming standards for freon use and storage that may require a multi-million dollar upgrade to the arena’s aging ice-making plant. “They could be looking at spending upwards of $2 million,” Reid said. He came to the meeting looking specifically for support from the village to keep the Western Kings arena a “community facility.”

Commissioner Dale Clarke expressed concern about the village taking on the financial responsibility to transition the arena for future use. “The village simply can’t afford to refit or take over the rink,” Clarke stated.

Reid acknowledged investigating how to get the arena from partial-year to full-year community use “may cost some money,” but the commission should be taking an active role in supporting such an important investment.

While all commissioners agreed the village needs to be included in discussions about the future of the arena, they also cautioned Reid stakeholders need to follow a “well-defined, step-by-step process” that won’t result in any surprises to the taxpayers.

The WKAA is holding its annual general meeting June 24 at 7 p.m. at the arena. Reid says more details about the arena’s future will be discussed at that time and he encouraged the public to attend.