Times-Chronicle Staff
The Oliver Arena will cease ice operations for the season on Feb. 28.
That was the decision made by the Parks and Recreation Society at its meeting Feb. 16.
Manager Carol Sheridan confirmed it is just the ice operations that are shutting down.
“We will absolutely be looking for ways to safely occupy the space with dry-floor activities until the next ice season.”
The arena, built in 1969, was the victim of “tough circumstances” created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, facility usage and revenues have been consistently less than 50 per cent of normal levels due to the pandemic, according to Sheridan.
She noted the mass gathering restrictions drastically reduced this usage, and the most recent announcement from the province extended these restrictions. This created further uncertainty regarding the return of minor sport competition and travel.
Sheridan said there is no indication that adult sports will resume anytime soon, and many recreation operators are transitioning earlier to focus on dry-floor and outdoor activities.
The average monthly cost of operating the arena is approximately $26,000.
Brianne Hillson, president of the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association, said not many teams are booking weekend ice.
Hillson said she totally understands the decision to shut down or limit ice time during the pandemic.
“From a financial standpoint, we are feeling the same hardship as we have no revenues come in from tournaments.”
Sheridan said even the Oliver pool season was shorted by six weeks to lessen the financial impact of COVID-19.
The good news is the arena has been nominated for the Kraft Hockeyville contest to help fund repairs to the failing slab floor and brine lines that further threaten the future of the facility.
Sheridan said the past year has been very hard for staff.
“Seeing activities and sports that we know provide a huge health benefit to both individuals and the community as a whole cancelled or severely restricted due to COVID-19 has been really frustrating.”
She noted the staff have done a good job and they will just be shifting their focus to outdoor spaces and preparing for the upcoming pool season.
