BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
A utilities recovery program approved by the city has local community organizations in an uproar.
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Boxing coaches Lawrence Lalonde, Grant Moore (centre), and Rick Rannelli are worried about the cost of continuing the program. Others who share their concerns are asked to phone 966-0519. |
The fee is to help the city offset the high cost of running local facilities.
For most organizations, the increased fees mean they will be forced to stop offering their valuable community service.
Grant Moore, an assistant boxing coach with the Valley East Boxing Club, expects he will have to shut his doors come Sept. 1 because his club simply can?t afford to pay the $2,426.38 utility bill for the remainder of the year.
In 2004, the boxing club?s utility bill will sky-rocket to $9,705.50.
Moore had an independent study done on the club?s utility costs. It revealed $800 would be more in line with their actual usage.
?We have about 22 registered athletes and, at best, we generate about $1,800 a year,? said Moore. ?All that money goes directly back into our club. We don?t have $10,000, so we will have to shut our doors until further notice.?
Moore is currently looking for another location from which to operate.
?We?ve changed kids? lifestyles for the better out here,? said Moore. ?We?re a positive influence on Valley East.?
The club currently operates out of the Raymond Plourde Arena in Val Caron.
Dave Berthelot, president of the Onaping Falls Minor Hockey Association is also outraged over the decision.
?I think it?s terrible...and it?s bad for economic development,? said Berthelot.
?Look at all the benefits derived from our local organizations using these facilities. We bring in millions of dollars a year with tournaments we run across Greater Sudbury.?
Caroline Hallsworth, the city?s general manager of citizen and leisure services, says the cost of utilities is rising and this is one way for all organizations to pay their fair share.
?It?s reasonable to have the groups pay for the utilities they use,? said Hallsworth. ?These groups don?t pay market or commercial rents on the space they use.?
There are 49 groups that use dedicated space in 64 community centres.
Thirty-five of these groups don?t pay a fee for the space they use.
?We?re trying to level the playing field and to be fair to everybody,? said Hallsworth.
?Groups can re-examine where they?re in and how much space they?re using,? said Hallsworth. ?The city will meet with them and discuss other options for them.?
The move was approved in last year?s budget.
