Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - At the September 4 council meeting, council reviewed a staff report regarding the arena corridor bench replacement project. The discussion, led by Mayor Allan Mayhew and Kevin Miller, Manager of Community Services, centred on the reallocation of the funds initially budgeted for replacing the arena’s corridor benches.
In the 2024 budget, council approved $20,000 for replacing the arena benches. However, after receiving public feedback, the community services department identified a more cost-effective way to refurbish the existing benches. As Kevin Miller explained during the meeting, “We have actually found a cheaper way of refurbishing the corridor benches. So, we thought, with the extra funds, we could go towards adding seating for awaiting parents and members of the public waiting for their children or whoever else in the arena.”
The reallocation of funds, while supported by some council members, raised some concerns among others. Councillor Martin Vink suggested that the $20,000 savings could have been brought back to council for further review before being redirected, expressing a more cautious approach to the process.
Mayor Mayhew addressed these concerns by explaining that the funds were already part of the 2024 budget and had been approved by the council for this purpose. He emphasized that the reallocation was a sensible approach and praised the department for finding a more efficient way to use the allocated money. He noted the importance of allowing staff the flexibility to optimize spending within the budgetary framework.
Councillor Amy Choi also contributed to the discussion, proposing an extension of the arena’s skate-proof flooring to improve safety. She suggested that extending the flooring from the entrance area along the first row of seating would address concerns raised by arena users. Miller acknowledged the suggestion but indicated that it would not be feasible within the current budget. He did, however, propose the use of rubber mats as a temporary solution. “It’s something we could budget in 2025 to extend the rubber,” Miller added.
The conversation also touched on additional enhancements for the arena’s lobby. Mayor Mayhew proposed the idea of installing side tables for parents and visitors, noting that such tables take up minimal space while providing a useful structure.
Ultimately, council accepted the report as information. A motion to accept the recreation report was moved by Councillor Myers and seconded by Councillor Choi, with all councillors voting in favour. With this approval, the proposed enhancements to the arena will proceed, utilizing the remaining funds to add more seating, improve the lobby, and beautify the front of the arena with new sod installation.
