Centre Wellington ice rinks set to begin reopening in September

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington is looking at a September opening for their ice pads although with a reduction in revenue than what was budgeted for. 

Ice pad rentals will be available starting Sept. 14 at the Elora Community Centre and Pad A at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex. Pad B at the sportsplex will reopen during phase two at a to-be-determined date.

A report to Centre Wellington council shows that phase one of the reopening will see ice rental only available during prime time, which is when rentals are most in demand and users are charged the full rate. Prime time hours are considered 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Masks will be required inside except for during strenuous activities. Participants on the ice will be capped at 25.

The initial focus will be for local minor sports organizations to safely return to play such as: CW Minor Hockey, Grand River Girls Hockey, Elora-Fergus Ringette, Fergus Skating Club and Elora Skating Club. 

Return to play documents must be provided by each association.

No private rentals, township programs, tournaments or special events will be permitted until later reopening phases.

The report includes projected revenue losses during phase two. The added labour expenses and reduced number of rentals is projected to mean a loss of nearly $8,000 per week.

At Monday afternoon’s Centre Wellington council meeting, Matt Tucker, manager of parks and facilities, said at Monday’s council meeting that additional training is taking place to reinforce sanitation, physical distancing, and gathering size requirements.

“People come in, they only have about 15 minutes to come in and get their skates on. Players will be coming in fully dressed,” Tucker said. “We’re really limiting people if they’re not there on time. If they’re about five minutes late getting there, they’re not allowed in our facility.”

Tucker said with hockey it looked like organizations were looking to begin with skill development and practice. As things progress, there is talk to move into three-on-three games with no contact.