Quispamsis Mayor Still Optimistic About Ice Strategy

The mayor of Quispamsis is still hopeful the Fundy region will move forward on developing a regional ice strategy.

Gary Clark said he was disappointed to learn the local service districts (LSDs) recently voted to turn down any motions related to the strategy.

“But I think it is imperative that we all work together and try and come up with a solution moving forward,” said Clark. “This council tonight recognizes that.”

Council voted Tuesday to share arena user data with the Fundy Regional Service Commission and have them hire a consultant to create a regional funding formula.

But some raised concerns about the ongoing process to develop the strategy.

Deputy mayor Libby O’Hara, one of two councillors to vote against Tuesday’s motions, cited a lack of progress and not knowing the potential financial impacts.

Councillor Sean Luck said news about the LSDs not wanting to take part leaves more doubt in the strategy, which he said is falling apart.

Clark said he understands the concerns but adds the strategy is still a work in progress.

“We still want to make sure that we’re working together with the Regional Service Commission to get those figures and that’s why we feel that it is important to have the consultant put in place,” he said.

The City of Saint John has said it will implement a non-resident user fee if a regional funding formula is not in place ahead of the 2019-20 sports season.

But Clark said it has always been his town’s position not to have user fees, and he does not believe other municipalities want to impose one either.

The commission is scheduled to meet again on April 29.