City of Powell River councillors were told that minor hockey provides significant economic impact in the community but it’s at a stage where assistance is required.
Powell River Minor Hockey Association director of operations Rick Hopper appeared before city council at its March 26 meeting and requested the city’s help to grow minor hockey in the community.
Hopper said when Powell River Recreation Complex opened in 1975, there were probably 700 to 800 kids playing minor hockey. This past season, the numbers were down to 250.
“Things have definitely changed over the years,” said Hopper.
He said he has approached the minor hockey association with a game plan for it to reinvent and resuscitate the sport locally.
“I’m in my second year of that project right now,” said Hopper.
He put together a proposal for the city and said there were some interesting numbers and information, not the least of which is the economic impact of hockey.
Hopper prepared a detailed economic impact statement for the 2018/2019 hockey season. He said during the season, the direct economic impact of Powell River Minor Hockey Association (PRMHA) was $812,905. This figure was based on tournaments, visiting rep team expenditures and PRMHA expenditures.
“Out of that, 79 per cent can be related to sports tourism,” said Hopper. “We are the number one sports tourism generator in Powell River. Why that’s important is we impact Powell River’s number one asset and that is the recreation complex.
“That’s why it’s so important to support us and help us grow this thing back. We’ll never be back to where it used to be at but we can get it back really healthy.”
Hopper said he is fully intent on resurrecting minor hockey and would like the city to consider helping. His proposal is for a three-year agreement with the city, including a $12,000 cash grant, $12,000 in-kind use of recreation complex facilities, provision of office space at the complex and providing meeting rooms on a monthly basis to conduct regularly scheduled board meetings.
“It will help us, hopefully, at the end of three years, to stabilize the numbers and start growing them back to a very viable form,” said Hopper.
Councillor Rob Southcott said he’s had a generation of minor hockey players occupying his home over a 10-year span. Southcott said Hopper’s report focused on the economic angle but does not mention the economics of young men.
“I don’t know of a single young man of that generation who my son was involved with who isn’t now a contributing member of the community, wherever they may be,” said Southcott. “I was always impressed with what minor hockey in Powell River contributed in that regard. I’m really hoping we can afford things like this. You’re preaching to the converted as far as I am concerned.”
Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said most people know she grew up in the rink and her mother was one of the founders of the Powell River Paper Kings.
“I’ve been involved in how hockey can be so impactful in our community my whole life,” said Leishman. “I see how important this is to our town. I would really be in favour of us looking at this. There’s such a ripple effect that it’s a no-brainer. The amount you’re asking is really small.”
Councillor Jim Palm said it was unfortunate that Hopper was presenting at this period of time with COVID-19.
“We are going to be looking soon at how to stop the hemorrhaging on the dollar front because of everything that is going on,” said Palm. “I can certainly see council looking at your proposal and maybe taking a look at some of the aspects of it. The dollar figure is maybe one that we can’t get over, but maybe there’s some things we can do to help you out.”
Mayor Dave Formosa said his concern is the precedent this would set. He said maybe the business community could be of assistance.
“I’m just being honest with you,” said Formosa. “I’m very concerned about the precedent. Everyone else will be lining up.”
