Title
DEPUTATION REQUESTS CONCERNING DIRECT MOTION - RELOCATION OF VACCINATION CLINICS - REOPENING OF ICE PADS AT COMMUNITY CENTRES
The following individuals provided Deputations concerning the Direct Motion regarding the Relocation of Vaccination Clinics - Reopening of Ice Pads at Community Centres:
1. Kapil Uppal, Director of Risk Management of the Barrie Minor Hockey Association (BMHA) provided an overview on his background with BMHA that included his elected position of Director of Risk Management, as a hockey coach and as a parent of his kids that play hockey. He discussed the membership of BMHA with close to 2000 kids ranging from under five to under 18 years of age and delivering hockey and special needs programs that rely on Barrie facilities.
Mr. Uppal advised that they are not asking Council to choose between continuing vaccinations or supporting programs who rely on usage of the ice pads. He commented that they are simply asking to relocate the locations for vaccinations from the ice pads. Mr. Uppal explained the impacts in continuing programming at the BMHA by losing one or two ice surfaces and not having a commitment of all the surfaces by October 1 that included not being able to operate at full capacity, unable to move forward with registration and kids being sidelined and not able to take part of a program that is good for their physical and mental health.
Mr. Uppal urged members of Council to work together to find a solution that is fair and equitable to let kids play.
2. Steve Fontaine, General Manager of Barrie Minor Hockey Association (BMHA) thanked members of Council for the opportunity to speak to the Direct Motion and to ask as an organization that Council come to a solution that would benefit everyone. He discussed the impact of COVID-19 and the challenges faced in returning life back to normal. Mr. Fontaine explained the organization’s goal of returning to the activities and programming prior to the pandemic and ultimately help residents mental and physical well-being.
Mr. Fontaine discussed the current usage of two ice pads, one used as a vaccination clinic and the other for vaccine supply storage. He advised of the possibility of one becoming available in September leaving BMHA with seven ice pads, however there is limited access to the Sadlon Arena as the Barrie Colts have priority. Mr. Fontaine provided an example of ice time used at Holly Community Centre over a month being approximately 160 hours that equate to 160 games or 160 practices that they would lose with the loss of the ice surface.
Mr. Fontaine asked that a solution be considered to meet the needs of all parties in order to continue the vaccination process and resume the programs that require the usage of the ice pads. He acknowledged the importance of the vaccine rollout and the need to do so responsibly and efficiently. Mr. Fontaine asked that consideration be given to relocate the vaccination clinic for the month of October to effectively use these facilities and safely return to a form of normalcy.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Mr. Fontaine and received responses.
3. Greg Hotham, Chairman for the Barrie Colts AAA Zone Association reviewed the impact of the pandemic associated to the players of the AAA Teams and the importance for them to play hockey for the physical activity and their mental health. He noted the mental well-being that hockey also provides to minor hockey, women’s hockey, recreational hockey, the parents, and the spectators of the sport.
Mr. Hotham asked Council to make the decision that is going to help kids stay active, play hockey, help with their mental health and return to the normalcy prior to the pandemic. He commented that the Association does not want to leave any kid behind due to limited spots because of ice availability. Mr. Hotham acknowledged other organizations that are going through the same obstacles and the need to plan their schedules, and to complete registrations by August.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Mr. Hotham and received responses.