Council okays alcohol for Pioneers games at arena

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Uxbridge council passed a motion on Monday approving the sale of alcohol in the community centre at the arena during Uxbridge Pioneer home hockey games.

A report from arena manager Hunter Gardner recommended that alcohol sales be allowed beginning in January. She noted that four of the hockey team's eight home games between now and the end of December conflict with other scheduled activities in the hall and said it would provide consistency and allow for more planning if sales started in January.

Mayor Dave Barton said he wanted the hockey club to include products from local businesses Slabtown Cider and The Second Wedge Brewing Co.

The report did not touch on the subject of food sales, which the hockey club had said in its original presentation would involve food sponsors. Gardner said that no food would be offered by the club that would impact sales at the arena's snack bar.

Requirements to be met include the designation of all Pioneers home games as “municipally significant events,” the restriction of alcohol sales and consumption to the community centre, the hiring of security guards by the team, provision of Smart Serve-trained staff and a limit maximum of four drink tickets per person. Also, alcohol should only be sold during the first and second periods.

The fate of the Zephyr library was also brought up at Monday’s council meeting. A report to council from Amanda Ferraro, director of community services, on the future of the Zephyr library and community centre said a large majority of Zephyr residents want the library to remain at its current location.

The report said a survey held in June received 146 responses, 71 per cent of which favoured keeping the library where it is. It also said most respondents agreed that the Zephyr library would benefit from additional space, and 75 per cent felt the community hall should not be used for integration with the library. It noted, however, that 63 per cent would support the facilities' integration if there was no impact on the existing main hall space.

Ferraro recommended the cost of hiring an architect to examine the possible scenarios be considered.

However, councillor Willie Popp said more information on costs involved would be needed before budget discussions begin and council decided to refer the report to staff to provide that information.

Finally, five more Uxbridge firefighters were honoured at council on Monday for their service. Justin Amyotte and Ben Smith both received five-year pins, Doug Noble received his 10-year pin and Dave Beare and Brian Stewart were honoured for 20 years of service.