DIDSBURY - Citing challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Didsbury Curling Club has made a request for the Town of Didsbury to forgive $21,750 in lease and utility costs.
The request came during the Feb. 9 council meeting, held by teleconference.
Club president David Fife, appearing before council as a delegation, told council that the pandemic has had significant impacts on the club’s operations, leading to the recent cancellation the 2020-21 season.
The annual lease with the Town of Didsbury runs from Oct. 15 to March 15, with monthly costs to the town for the club including $4,500 a month for lease and an estimated $2,000 a month for utilities, for a total of about $6,500 per month.
A not-for-profit society, the club is asking for relief of lease and utilities costs from Dec. 1, 2020 to March 15, 2021.
The pandemic caused loss of revenue in several areas, including due to the closure of the bar, increased costs of sanitation supplies due to COVID protocols, loss of advertising revenue, and loss of bonspiel revenue, he said.
With 120 current members, the club made the decision to remove the ice at the local facility on Jan. 25.
The club has made an application for the Alberta Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch grant but has not yet heard back, he said.
As well, the club has applied for a CERS program grant to help offset costs.
“The Town of Didsbury lease and utility costs are substantial and without relaxation the 2021 season start-up costs would be too large of a burden for the club members to absorb alone and may impact the operation of the club,” said Fife.
Councillors referred the financial relief request to the strategic planning committee for consideration and examination.
“I think that’s a great recommendation,” said mayor Rhonda Hunter.
Coun. Bill Windsor said he recommended sending the request to committee so that further information can be gathered for council consideration.
“It’s going to be a fair amount of work and a fair amount of discussion,” said Windsor, noting the committee will bring back a recommendation to council.
