The Town of Goderich will begin negotiations with a group of local service clubs about operating the Memorial Arena moving forward.
Council received a presentation this week from Matt Hoy, who represented the Service Club Group, which includes the Lions Club, Kinsmen, Rotary, Kinette’s, Goderich Legion, Knights of Columbus, IODE, Optimist, and the Goderich Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
He said the groups were interested in operating the proposed multi-use facility, in a partnership that would be mutually beneficial.
Hoy told council the town would retain ownership of the building, but the Service Club Group would be responsible for daily management of the facility.
"A non-for-profit organization would be formed with representatives of each one of the service groups in town, town council and the community," he said. "We're not reinventing the wheel, this is a proven way of doing business. Up the road in Bayfield it's worked out very well. The community board has taken over the local arena and it's a profitable centre that is very well run."
The service club group is asking for an initial investment from the town of $140,000, which they would match. There would also be an annual request of the town for $60,000 for operational and maintenance costs. Hoy noted it would a much smaller contribution than the town was making to the arena, as by the end of 2024, it was losing around $116,000 a year on the facility.
The arena was closed at the start of this year due to safety and accessibility concerns.
The proposal includes hiring a full-time facility manager that will report to the board and a having the Town act as the recipient of all funds raised through fundraising activities, as it can issue income tax receipts. Any fundraising will go back to the facility.
"The defining feature of our proposal is our unwavering commitment to community partnerships," said Hoy. "We pledge to maintain close relationships including minor sports leagues, senior organization and various community event organizers to ensure that diverse community needs are met."
Hoy added that the Service Club Group would follow the recommendations laid out by the Memorial Arena Task Force.
Council members were receptive to the proposal, with Mayor Trevor Bazinet calling it a community-driven solution. Council moved in favour of starting negotiations, although three members - Liz Petrie, Randy Carroll and Leah Noel - abstained from voting due to their involvement with the clubs.
It was estimated the earliest reopening the arena would be in early 2026.