A letter of intent has been put forward to the Town of Goderich for control of the Goderich Memorial Arena Complex.
Former councillor Matt Hoy made a presentation to council this week to talk about the vision for the facility, which had to be closed due to building safety concerns.
A non-profit committee was formed after Councillor Randy Carroll that would involve a member of council, members from different service clubs, and members of the community. The group sent a letter of intent to the town last month in order to form a partnership for necessary actions to keep the arena, which was built in 1949, functional and available for the community.
“The primary purpose of the Letter of Intent that we sent on the 17th (of June) was to signal readiness to enter into negotiations with the Town of Goderich for a long-term lease and operational partnership for the Goderich Memorial Arena,” Hoy explained.
The town would provide an proposed annual contribution of $60,000 to help with operating and maintenance costs, after an initial $140,000 for necessary repairs to make the facility operational.
The Service Club Group will match up to $140,000 of the town’s investment for ‘open ready’ repairs.
Further funding would also come from fundraising and community donations.
Hoy explained to council that it was important to keep the arena useable for the entire community, rather than permanently shuttering the building, or having something else build in its place by a private developer.
“We all recognize that that building has a deep significance to our community,” he said. “It is a memorial arena, very important to the Legion and our veterans, and it’s important that we keep that building around.”
A similar approach was taken in Bayfield for that community’s arena, which has seen success since its formation.
Involved groups include the Lion’s Club, the Kinsmen, the Goderich Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, and more.
