The future of Bancroft’s arena is not at risk, even though two neighbouring municipalities have declined requests to help the town fund it.
Mayor Paul Jenkins said Bancroft will look to apply user fees for non-residents to use the North Hastings Community Centre.
Hastings Highland council voted this week to not give $10,000 to Bancroft. Faraday Township declined a similar request weeks’ earlier.
Bancroft’s been looking for municipal neighbours to help fund the area since taking it over last year. The arena had $100,000 in losses on its books in 2021.
But Jenkins said, the building can continue to offer programs, even if municipalities that once helped fund it through a commission, no longer do.
“The Town of Bancroft cannot be the sole supporter of something that is used by everybody,” he said. “(Support must come) through a municipal contribution or a non-resident user fee.”
“The arena is in no jeopardy,” he added. “The arena, in the long run, is going to thrive and even do better.”
A request for funding from Carlow Mayo, the fourth municipality that was part of the commission, has not been debated by its council yet.