BANFF – A consultant is being hired to help come up with options for new community activities and amenities in space at the Banff Fenlands recreation centre vacated by a former hockey school.
The Town of Banff went out to tender on Feb. 2 to seek a consultant to implement a public engagement process that would identify options for under-used spaces at the facility, including space left vacant by the Banff Hockey Academy (BHA).
But Councillor Ted Christensen said he believes the Town should seek out another hockey school following the relocation of the BHA to southern Alberta last year.
“I think we have a viable money-making program going and other people interested in starting up academies,” he said during a recent budget meeting.
The Fenlands was redeveloped in 2010 with the addition of a 3,600-square-foot wing designed specifically for the BHA.
After 25 years, the hockey school relocated operations to Dunmore, near Medicine Hat, for the 2020-21 season, and is now known as the Southern Alberta Hockey Academy.
In 2019, revenue from the BHA to Town of Banff coffers was about $120,000, including $65,00 for ice rentals, $53,000 for lease and utilities and $1,300 for other facility rentals.
Following the hockey academy's departure from Banff, council approved, in principle, re-purposing space at the Fenlands facility, but wanted to get public feedback on such a move before setting the direction and budget.
Permanent changes to the curling club rink and lounge, and the other two ice skating sheets are off the table; however, temporary changes could be suggested and considered.
“A majority of council wanted to see all options,” said Mayor Karen Sorensen in response to Coun. Christensen’s comments on a hockey academy.
Coun. Peter Poole pointed out the Fenlands recreation centre costs Banff taxpayers about $600,000 to $800,000 each year to run.
“It may well be that there’s an alternative to a hockey academy, such as maybe more regional tournaments, or something that might be a bigger benefit to the community than a hockey academy,” he said.
“We’ve had a sense since this arena was built with dedicated space for the hockey academy that the hockey academy provided profit to town, and that, I think we’ve learned hasn’t been happening,” he added.
“We still have $600,000 to $800,000 taxpayers’ money to keep feet on ice – skating, curling.”
The Fenlands recreation centre is currently home to two full-sized ice sheets, a curling rink, offices, kitchen and meeting and conference facilities.
The plan is to look at new ideas for amenities and activities that residents would value and use in the former Banff Hockey Academy wing, as well as other under-used space at the Fenlands.
Ideas up for consideration, according to the public tender document, would include sports and recreation, art, culture, social, music and other activities for the community.
Changes would require renovations to some of the spaces and could involve reconfiguring space, and the Town of Banff has also asked the consultant for cost estimates.
Many groups use the Fenlands, including Banff Minor Hockey Association, Banff Skating Club and Banff Curling Club, and according to the document, any proposed renovations should support these organizations, as well as potential new users.
In addition, residents will be asked for feedback on adding a sports fieldhouse in the community as a stand-alone new facility, or a temporary installation at the Fenlands on one dry rink surface in spring and summer.
The community will also be asked to share opinions on how activities could be operated, including by the municipality, private operators or non-profit organizations.
