Minto Minor Hockey, like many organizations, is feeling the impending pinch of the Harmonized Sale Tax.
After recognizing a significant increase in costs for the upcoming season, representatives visited Minto Council’s last meeting to propose an agreement. This agreement would phase in the HST and help keep hockey affordable for families.
In a nutshell, the organization is looking at an increase of more than $8,500 for the 2010-2011 hockey season. This figure is for ice time alone, which accounts for the majority of the club’s expenses.
This increase results in higher registration fees.
The club has asked council to consider eliminating the $3 per hour increase for ice times this year, put ice time fees at $75 per hour for tournaments and implement the $3 increase for the 2012-2013 season.
Council members expressed their support of minor hockey, and chose to further discuss the issue and make a decision at a later date.
We understand the need for council to properly discuss an issue, gather input and examine the pros and cons. It’s their duty for any issue brought before them.
We hope, however, that they will come to the right decision and work out an agreement with Minto Minor Hockey.
One member of council brought up an interesting point. Government officials on all levels have expressed concern over childhood obesity and the desire to see children be more physically active. Yet, the HST will increase recreational costs. Parents will often be the ones footing the bill.
For many, the $400-plus registration fee for one child for one season of hockey is already out of reach.
Minto Minor Hockey spokesperson Joel Martin told council his organization is not looking for a handout, but a way to help parents keep their kids in hockey and keep this organization strong. He presented what appears to be a reasonable and doable plan to accomplish just that.
Some may argue that if minor hockey gets a break, why shouldn’t other minor sports organizations? Maybe so, but hockey is simply costlier to play. That doesn’t make it more important than other sports, but a little extra effort to keep it affordable can’t hurt.
In fact, it will only help. Hockey brings plenty of players, parents and spectators into our community each year. They make use of our three arenas. More than 170 children in Minto play hockey and should expenses keep increasing, we’ll likely see that number fall lower and lower.
Minor hockey members fear the game may become “elitist,” accessible only to families who have the money.
In the end, it’s the child who suffers. No one wants to be the parents who must tell their child he or she won’t be playing hockey anymore because they simply can’t afford it.
We have great young athletes in Minto who represent our community well and love the game. Many children who grow up playing hockey continue the sport into adulthood, therefore remaining active in the community and setting a good example for their children.
Council members are urged to seriously consider Minto Minor Hockey’s request and do what they can to accommodate it.
It would be a shame if the next Wayne Gretzky or Cassie Campbell was right here in Minto, yet never got the chance to play because of costs.