MOOSE JAW — City hall is updating its arena usage policy and extending the 2024-25 season at two arenas by one week because two major ice-related events have caused scheduling conflicts in the early spring.
The parks and recreation branch presented an updated policy during city council’s Nov. 25 regular meeting, with council unanimously approving the document.
Council last reviewed and updated the policy in May, when it made changes to the operational dates for arena ice schedules.
Changes are required again because parks and rec received a request from Epic Hockey to host the third annual Epic Ice Melt tournament from April 10 to 13, 2025, a council report said. Over the past two years, this tournament was held during the first weekend of April, but that isn’t possible next year because the 2025 World Men’s Curling Championship happens from March 29 to April 6.
Due to the overlap with the curling tournament, the availability of arenas and hotels was not possible for the hockey tournament from April 3 to 6, 2025, the report continued. So, to accommodate the request from Epic Hockey, city hall is adding an extra week of operations to the Bert Hunt and Wally Boschuk arenas.
The main changes that parks and rec made to the arena use policy include:
- Spring ice at the Bert Hunt and Wally Boschuk arenas will happen from March 17 to April 13, 2025
- Bert Hunt’s 2024-25 ice season kicked off on Sept. 27 and runs until April 13, 2025
- Wally Boschuk’s 2024-25 ice season kicked off on Oct. 15 and runs until April 13, 2025
- The adult prime time rate will be applied to all September arena ice bookings, while regular rates and fees will be applied from Oct. 1, 2025 to April 13, 2025
City hall does not expect any negative financial ramifications with these changes because the extra revenue from the Epic Ice Melt Tournament and user group rentals will offset the additional expenses of operating Pla-Mor Place for an extra week, the report said.
“The Epic Ice Melt Tournament has grown significantly and can attract up to 60 teams annually. The tournament draws participants from across Saskatchewan and neighbouring provinces,” the document added, “bringing approximately 90 players and thousands of spectators to the city, resulting in significant economic impact in our community.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Dec. 2.
