Town council granted a request last week from the Olds Grizzlys to forgive the interest charges on unpaid ice bills from the 2011-12 season. The interest charges amounted to $3,605.
In making the pitch to council, Henry Czarnota, president of the Grizzlys, said the club is still trying to pay off an accumulated deficit, and was counting on about $30,000 that was pledged to the team last year but never materialized. Czarnota said the Grizzlys continue to make strides in the community by volunteering for a number of different events, including working with Olds Minor Hockey, assisting seniors in the community with shovelling snow, and regularly visiting schools in the Mountain View County area, among other community activities.
“We are trying to make our team very visible,” he said.
Coun. Wade Bearchell said he thinks that the Grizzlys provide a valuable role in the community and hoped that the relationship between the Grizzlys organization and the community continues.
Asked by Coun. Murray Ball if a financial impact could be placed on having the Grizzlys in the community, Czarnotta said that is currently being calculated. Czarnotta said the organization could not survive without the generous donation of time by a dedicated group of volunteers.
“We survive in a small market as a team,” he said.
Coun. Mary Jane Harper said she supported the recommendation of a one-time waiver of the interest charges, and thought that Nu-2-U would be another organization the Grizzlys could partner with.
Following the meeting, Mayor Judy Dahl said council supported the request due to all of the hard work the Grizzlys are doing in order to tackle the team's debt.
“Taking everything into consideration, we had numerous conversations since they've had a new board come on (after the conclusion of the 2011-12 season) … it's come to our attention that they really truly have overcome their challenges by sitting down through lengthy talks, including with council, on creating an organizational stability plan. They shared that with us, we're really happy what we see in front of us and we … trust that they're going to be able to keep their commitment from here on,” she said.
Dahl said she is encouraged with the mandate of the team's players to make a commitment to schooling, health and wellness and community outreach.
Rob Turville, the Grizzlys' business manager, said he was pleased with council's decision.
“I think it's a step in the right direction as far as developing a strong line of communication and a strong relationship with the Town of Olds,” he said.
