Monday March 10th, 2025, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Q: Is EYCC seeking a refund from the city for the loss of the use of the facilities?
If so, will these funds be used to compensate members?
A: The club is exploring options for recovering losses incurred during the closure. If successful, the amount of compensation that the club is able to offer members would be adjusted.
Q: Given the club's status as a not-for-profit, and the position the City puts the club in if the ice is not properly repaired in the fall, is the club willing to pursue a claim against the city for negligence?
A: At this time, the Board is focusing on building a positive relationship while exploring options for compensation.
Q: Does the club have any full-time employees and if so, how have they been affected?
A: The club has one full-time employee – our club manager, Brittany Kealey, who will continue to handle the operational and administrative aspects of running the club, year-round.
Q: The city has admitted they don't have the expertise to run a curling club. Will we be getting new ice staff next season?
A: The Board has expressed concerns and will continue to discuss this with the City. However, the City is responsible for staffing the ice shed.
Q: What was the difference between this ice installation and other years?
A: There are two major differences. First, the time of year and ourside weather conditions which affect the temperature and humidity in the ice shed. Secondly, the sand has not been completely replaced in over 20 years.
Q: How can we ensure that we have playable ice in the fall?
A: The City has expressed a commitment to finding and fixing the issues in order to provide better ice conditions for the fall. The Board will be working throughout the off-season to keep these efforts on track.
Q: Is there a possibility of moving up the timeline for the installation of the cement floor?
A: At this time, we are not aware of any plans to move up the replacement of the floor as this depends on the City’s capital projects processes.
Q: Will members’ refunds be relative to the amount of fees paid?
A: Credits will consist of a proportional amount of permit fees that are paid to the City of Toronto based on the playing fees paid at the beginning of the season. The actual amount will differ for everyone, depending on the type of leagues you were registered in (day leagues fees are lower than evening leagues, etc.) and the number of leagues. More information about credits will come from the office in the coming weeks.
Q: If people want to donate their credits back to the club, is there a way to do so?
A: Yes, options will be made available for members who would like to donate their credits. More on this in the coming weeks.
Q: Will there be an option to donate a portion of my refund instead of the whole amount?
A: Yes, various options will be available for members to help support the club’s recovery. More on this in the coming weeks.
Q: Can the club accept charitable donations?
A: EYCC is a registered not-for-profit corporation. We are not a charity, so we cannot issue receipts for charitable donations. However, the club can accept donations in the form of sponsorships.
Q: Has the City pushed back when the club has tried to bring in outside experts to advise on repairs to the ice?
A: The club has offered to connect the City with outside help from the start of the closure. The City did not feel it needed the help at the time. However, the City appears to be more receptive now, and we will continue to offer help throughout the process of troubleshooting and remediating the ice.
Q: Will we receive regular updates over the summer regarding the progress in the ice shed?
A: Yes, the club newsletter will provide regular updates throughout the remainder of the season and the off-season. The office and Board will communicate any important factual information that members need to know as it becomes available.
Q: Will registration for next season be delayed for the fall until the fall?
A: At this time, there is no plan to delay registration. Information will come from the office beginning in early May.
Q: Do we have any information regarding the availability of ice time at other GTA curling clubs?
A: There are some EYCC members playing regularly at Royals, and many of our Little Rocks and Juniors have been practicing at Tam Heather. Leaside has available ice time posted on its website. Members should contact those clubs directly for availability.
Q: What has the City committed to change to ensure that the fall ice will be better in the fall?
A: At this point, the City hasn’t conclusively identified the source of the issues. Laboratory testing is underway to determine the severity of the contamination, before a plan is formulated.
Q: Is there concern about the club’s financial situation going into the next season?
A:This situation has been financially impactful but we do not expect to have to dip into our capital reserves at this time. However, we are considering some fundraising options.
Q: When will the annual meeting be held?
A: Be typically hold the annual meeting at the May.
Q: Is there a chance the City could choose to shut down the building permanently?
A: According to our contacts at the City, this is highly unlikely as the City has a commitment to offering recreational programs where facilities are available.
Q: Will we be able to arrange league banquets at the club?
A: We are expecting the City to confirm whether the lounge can be used to host banquets. Information will be coming soon regarding availability of the lounge, the kitchen and bar.
Q: Is there a timeline for the club to become Board-run?
A: There is no firm timeline for an agreement to be made with the City. The Board is still in communication with the relevant City teams, and will update members on the status as it progresses.
Q: If the club was board run, what would have been done differently?
A: If the club was responsible for the operation of the ice shed, there would have been safeguards in place to prevent the specific incident that happened in January. Regardless of the cause of the leak, our staff would have responded by engaging outside help immediately to help determine the best course of action.
Q: When will the building be open to pick up locker contents?
A: The building is open from 10am to 10pm seven days a week until March 28th. Updated hours of operation for April will be sent out before March 28th.
