Chatham-Kent (CK) Council has approved removing the summertime premium at one arena in the municipality during the summer months.
The summer ice pilot was brought forward by Councillor Melissa Harrigan during Monday night's meeting.
The motion includes removing the $50 fee added to summer ice rates and eliminating the 30 hours of ice bookings required.
Harrigan noted that she was grateful for the support after the item passed 16 to zero as part of the consent agenda.
"There are many youth and adult groups who have identified a need for summer ice in CK," said Harrigan. "When people have to travel out of town for recreation, they also take their money out of town, so there is a huge benefit to both athletes and our business community through this pilot."
In a social media post, Harrigan added that there are three arenas that can support summer ice rinks, including Thames Campus Arena, Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre, and Blenheim Memorial Arena. However, it was not indicated which arena would operate the pilot project.
