Ayr Minor Hockey Association Update: Community Meeting on NDCC Twin Pad
On May 7th, 2025, representatives from the Ayr Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) met with CAO Andrew McNeely and other ice user groups to discuss the NDCC Twin Pad project. CAO McNeely underscored the importance of future planning, emphasizing, "We have to make decisions for what our community looks like in 10 years, not what we look like now, as there are 8,000 new homes already approved for Ayr in the next decade."
**Initial Funding Plan:**
The Township Council approved a funding plan in 2024, which included:
- Debt Financing: $6.8 million
- Community Fundraising: $2.5 million
- Federal Grant: $11,485,631
- Development Charges: $185,000
- Reallocation of ACC Reserves: $632
- **Total: $20,971,263**
This plan projected an annual tax increase of $82 for the average taxpayer. The proposed Twin Pad facility aimed to include amenities such as cantilevered seating like that at Cambridge Sports Park, an upper lobby, six full change rooms, two referee rooms, a small gym, a multi-purpose room, five office spaces, and new washrooms on the upper level.
However, a reduction in the Federal Grant from $11.5 million to $5 million prompted the Township Council to request a redesign of the building plans to mitigate funding losses and minimize taxpayer debt.
**Key Points Noted but Not Discussed:**
- The Township of North Dumfries currently has $0 debt.
- Last year, the Township reported a surplus of $1.2 million.
- There may be an opportunity for a larger share of the Federal Grant if other municipalities decline their portions.
- The sale of land to the City of Cambridge is valued at $3.2 million.
- Three new building design scenarios have been proposed, all considering the sale of the Ayr Community Centre (ACC). If sold, a similar facility would be needed, estimated to cost around $8 million.
Should the ACC not be sold and the planned $3.5 million renovation be deferred to redirect funds to the Twin Pad, it could still serve as a multi-use recreation facility until renovation funds become available.
**Proposed Scenarios:**
1. **Scenario 1** - $32 Tax Increase: No upstairs access or renovations, featuring 4.5 change rooms, 2 referee rooms, and only bleacher seating. This plan includes $2.7 million in debt financing with the sale of the ACC.
2. **Scenario 2** - $39 Tax Increase: The preferred design without selling the ACC. It includes an upstairs lobby renovation, two new multi-purpose rooms, bleacher seating, new washrooms, 4.5 change rooms, and 2 referee rooms with $3.2 million in debt financing.
3. **Scenario 3** - $53 Tax Increase: Similar to Scenario 2 but with 6 change rooms and 2 referee rooms, incorporating $4.3 million in debt financing with the sale of the ACC.
Community representatives expressed strong opposition to selling the ACC, highlighting its importance in providing a full-size gymnasium, which the Township currently lacks due to the absence of a high school.
In summary, while we support the design of Scenario 2, we firmly believe that the ACC should remain in our community.
**Urgent Considerations:**
It is critical to act swiftly. If the Twin Pad project is not approved at the upcoming Council meeting on May 26th, and construction does not begin by September, there is a significant risk for the ACC's ice plant. A catastrophic failure could lead to the immediate loss of the ACC and a reduction in our ice allocation, leaving us without a backup plan.
The potential tax increase could escalate from $39 to $55 if the Township does not utilize development funds or secure a larger grant, which are viable options currently being overlooked.
After the meeting, representatives from the Centre for the Community Group raised concerns about political dynamics surrounding the sale of the ACC, which may disqualify Ayr councillors from voting due to ownership of adjacent property. Given that Ayr represents the highest tax base and population in the Township, we believe discussions regarding the sale of the ACC should be dismissed.
**Action Items for AMHA Members:**
1. Attend the rally on May 26th at 5:30 PM outside the Dumfries Room at the NDCC to show support for the Twin Pad.
2. If you reside in Ward 3 (Roseville) or Ward 4 (Eastern portion of the Township), please email your Councillor, copying the Township Clerk and the Mayor, to express your support for the Twin Pad project and advocate for keeping the ACC for community activities.
- Alida Wilms (Ward 3): [email protected]
- Scott Tilley (Ward 4): [email protected]
- Township Clerk: [email protected]
- Mayor: [email protected]
3. If you live in Ayr (Ward 1 or 2), please email your Councillor, copying the Township Clerk and the Mayor, to advocate for an alternative proposal that preserves the ACC while moving forward with the Twin Pad project.
- Rod Rolleman (Ward 1): [email protected]
- Derrick Ostner (Ward 2): [email protected]
4. Consider speaking at the Township Council meeting to voice your support for the project. Members of the public are encouraged to express their views at each meeting.
Let's unite as a Hockey Community to advocate for the future of our organization and the opportunities it provides for our young athletes!