New arena rate may create skating days for Brock’s elementary students

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: More students could soon be hitting the ice, during the school day, after Council approved a new non-prime school rental rate, at its Monday, February 9th, meeting, a move, sparked by a high school program, is already generating excitement among families with children in local elementary schools.

Councillors voted to create a $120 per hour daytime school rate, at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, following a report from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward.

The request originated with Brock High School teacher Trevor Fray, who asked Council, in December, to consider a reduced rental fee for a curriculum-based hockey course, running during school hours. The current school rate, of $167.92 per hour, was seen as a barrier to expanding the program.

Director Ward’s report compared Brock’s rate to other municipalities across Durham Region and beyond. Rates ranged from $33.33 (plus surcharge), in Whitby, to $189.35, in Clarington, with an overall average of $110.43. Nearby Scugog and Uxbridge charge $120 and $105, respectively, for school use.

While staff determined reducing the rate, to match the lowest municipalities, would not be sustainable, Mr. Ward recommended creating a structured non-prime school rate of $120, consistent with neighbouring communities, for daytime hours, when ice demand is lower.

“The request to reduce the rental rate, to a significantly lower amount, is not sustainable for the Township,” the report stated. “However, establishing a non-prime school rate provides a structured approach to supporting students, while maintaining revenues.”

Council adopted the recommendation, directing staff to maintain the $120 rate, unless Uxbridge or Scugog raise theirs beyond that level. Staff will also coordinate ice allocation with Brock High School, for the 2026-27 season, and report back on the program’s success.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the decision balances fiscal responsibility with community benefit.

“We’re making better use of available daytime ice, while supporting student programming,” Mayor Jubb said. “It’s a practical approach which keeps us aligned with our neighbouring municipalities and ensures our facilities are accessible.”

Although the request came from Brock High School, parents across the Township say, they are hopeful the new rate could eventually open doors for elementary students as well.

In Sunderland, Karen Mitchell, whose children attend Sunderland Public School, said, the announcement immediately got families talking.

“Even though this started with the high school, it shows the Township is willing to work with schools,” Ms. Mitchell said. “If Sunderland Public could access daytime ice, at that rate, for skating days or a learn-to-skate program, that would be incredible. There are other schools which will bus kids to the arena for skating, and we could just walk there, once the renovations in Sunderland are finished for next season.”

Jason McAllister, a parent at Beaver River Public School, agreed. “Skating is part of Canadian culture, but not every child gets that chance,” he said. “If this model works for Brock High, there’s no reason elementary schools couldn’t benefit too.”

Parents in Cannington are also watching closely. Sarah Thompson, whose daughter attends McCaskill's Mills Public School, said, having the arena in the same community makes the opportunity especially appealing.

“McCaskill’s Mills is right here in Cannington, and the arena is practically in our backyard,” Ms. Thompson said. “If this creates a pathway for our students to skate, during the school day, that’s something families would really support.”

Wayne Ward’s report noted the new rate would generate additional revenue during otherwise underutilized hours, with ice maintenance costs largely offset by rental income.

If the program proves successful, what began as a high school curriculum request could develop into a broader opportunity by bringing elementary students from Sunderland, Beaverton and Cannington onto the ice as well.