Open letter to City of Salmon Arm, Mayor Alan Harrison (Nov. 23, 2023),
I am writing to you on behalf of the Yeti Rugby Club, and I wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent decision to close the indoor arena in Salmon Arm at the first snowfall.
Our club has been a proud part of the community for over 25 years, and we have witnessed significant growth in interest and participation both within the city and surrounding municipalities. It is with this perspective in mind that we wish to bring our concerns to your attention.
The indoor arena has been an invaluable asset to our rugby club, providing us with a dedicated space to train, practice, and hold events throughout the year. It has been instrumental in fostering the growth of our club and promoting the sport of rugby within Salmon Arm.
The closure of the indoor arena at the first snowfall poses a severe threat to the continued operation and expansion of our club, and by extension, the community’s access to this vibrant sport.
Our Indoor Mini Rugby Program begins tomorrow and runs every Saturday until Dec. 23. Forty-nine children under the age of 14 have registered. We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm among these young participants as they embark on their journey to discover the world of rugby.
In preparation for these sessions, we have diligently made arrangements for volunteer coaches, secured prizes, gifts and organized refreshments for each of the mini rugby dates.
Our Indoor Touch Rugby Season began on Monday, Nov. 6 and is scheduled to run until the end of April. Fifty-one adult and youth rugby players are registered. We have covered the cost of insurance directly from our club’s funds to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Our Men and Women’s Jr. Rugby teams are going on tour to Grand Cayman Island during spring break in March 2024. Sixty athletes and chaperones will be travelling. In preparation for this tour, practices were going to be held in the Indoor Arena as there is nowhere else to train.
The financial implications of a sudden closure would place an immense burden on our small yet growing club, which has recently started gaining momentum and recognition within the community. The dedication and support of our members have been crucial in sustaining our operations, and we hope to continue offering valuable rugby experiences to our participants.
Further to this unexpected indoor field closure announcement, we were notified recently that our club would be unable to use the Field of Dreams for our annual Snow 7s tournament which is our only fundraising event through the winter season. We use this money to service our summer events and club operating expenses.
Read more: Rugby club seeks alternative to winter closure of Salmon Arm arena
Read more: City of Salmon Arm to close indoor arena during snowfall
Simply put, our club will be financially crushed if these closures take place.
We understand that the decision to close the arena is based on concerns about its structural integrity during winter conditions. However, we believe this decision may be unduly hasty and detrimental to the numerous sports and activities that rely on this facility.
Rather than closing the arena immediately upon the arrival of snow; regardless of amount, we respectfully request that the city take the time to review and reconsider this decision. We as a club think that it would be reasonable to expect the city to mitigate the snow load hazard by contracting a snow removal subcontractor each time the snow approaches an unsafe level.
It is unfair to expect each user group to cancel pre-booked events and absorb the associated cost of refunding registered users while still incurring fixed costs.
We kindly request the opportunity to meet with you and other relevant city officials to discuss this matter further, and explore our suggestions or potential alternatives that will allow us to continue using the indoor arena or an alternate indoor turf space during the winter season.
Your consideration of our concerns is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to finding a prompt resolution to continue contributing to the sporting and community life of Salmon Arm.
Thank you for your time.
Jent Hoekstra,
president,
Yeti Rugby Club