Protect Our Local Arenas

Dear HVHA families,

You may have heard that the City of Toronto has identified arena facilities in Etobicoke/York for conversion to a Curling rink or mixed use facility.  This conversion is to meet the request of curlers who have been displaced by the closure of private curling rinks. Complete details on the strategy are available here.

Following a series of meetings with the City of Toronto, we are concerned that facilities in which we operate are contenders for this strategy, leading to a potential negative impact on our programs. A full or partial conversion of an arena in our local region would lead to increased demand for ice in other local facilities, putting pressure on our ability to provide community based programs and see our teams relocated.  Our concern is shared by other neighbourhood organizations, and together we are working to convey the impact of such a conversion to our local politicians and the City or Toronto.

Virtual Public Meeting
The City of Toronto is hosting a virtual public meeting to introduce their Curling Strategy to residents in the west end.  If you are interested in getting involved in the conversation to protect our local facilities and ensure that their use is maintained for our local residents, teams and skaters, we encourage you to attend the meeting and have your voice heard.  Please note that registration is required to join this meeting.

Virtual Meeting Details July 15, 2021 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. City of Toronto Staff will: – Provide an introduction to the Curling Strategy and share work to date – Introduce and gather feedback on draft principles for shared use or arena conversion – Answer questions of clarification and share next steps

Thank you,