A financial report from Madawaska Valley’s recreation committee is raising eyebrows over high hydro rates.
Even with the new rebates coming into effect in 2017, prices will rise in November and again in January when the Cap and Trade System comes into effect.
The committee reviewed the Paul J Yakabuski Community Centre’s expenses and noticed its energy costs are approaching its annual budget only halfway through the year.
Recreation and Community Development Coordinator Paul Nopper says prices went up by $17,000 in the last year alone.
Hydro costs now account for around one-third of the arena’s budget, with an estimated $95,000 slated to be spent before the year is out.
Nopper says the township is near a breaking point and could tackle costs with green energy retrofits and modernizing some of the area’s older hardware across the community.
The PJY Community Centre in Madawaska Valley could also stand to benefit from the township’s applications for the Canada 150 funding programs.
Potentially $1-million could go to help the arena greatly in the form of a new roof and new flooring – with the township only having to cover 10 per cent of the costs – if the applications are successful.
Recreation and Community Development Coordinator Paul Nopper says other grant finalization reports have also been filed.
The two reports outlined funding for the fitness centre through the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the New Horizon for Senior Community Grant for the Combermere Community Centre.