Thorold city council making the tough decision, based on condition and cost to maintain
Another tough decision by the City of Thorold, similar to other cities, in closing certain facilities.
Based on a staff report council has voted to close James Whyte arena, due to its condition and upkeep of costs.
Councillor Tim O'Hare stressed they need to do better at maintaining buildings. "The fire hall on Towpath, Darlene Ryan needs attention. These buildings, we can't forget about them, we have to somehow slot it in. And maybe now that we're coming up to budget, this is a good time to look at some of these buildings and address a few of them."
Councillor Nella Dekker was not happy, saying certain user groups did have a safe place to play.
Councillor Henry D'Angela was sympathetic to anyone using James Whyte.
"We built the Canada Summer Games Park, that takes a lot of our money, and puts it into one recreational building, that's depriving some of those capital funds going into other areas. So, yes, we are looking at that, but it's impossible to deal with all of them, unless you want to give someone a really bad tax increase next year."
Mayor Terry Ugulini added there are plenty of other services they've invested in.
Council also had to balance if it has users pay more to maintain the site. City staff say they'll work with user groups to find other places.
The city is also working to repurpose the arena, with plans for that to happen in 2027.
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