Ice rink fees to rise in RM of Hanover

Ice times will get more expensive in the RM of Hanover as rental fees have increased from last year.

The proposed rate would see prime ice time jump to $165 per hour compared to last year’s fee of $160. Non-prime and local minor sport ice times will also see a $5 increase to $135. Evening Game Slots (3 hours of prime ice time) will cost $495 per slot.

“We try to find a balance between what’s affordable for our users and what helps us cover at least a decent amount of the costs to operating our facilities. That’s what goes into those decisions. Trying to stay competitive with the region and also make sure that we manage our facilities properly,” said recreation manager Jason Peters.

Peters was asked what effect the new Southeast Events Centre will have on rink rates in 2026, whereupon he replied that it is unknown as the center hasn’t released its rink rates yet.

“It remains to be seen what’s going to happen. I have no knowledge of this. I just expect over time that it will reset the market. I assume that things will get more expensive over time in Steinbach for ice and it will probably… (do so in the) region, that’s just my guess at this point,” he said.

Peters doesn’t believe the Events Centre will take players from Hanover’s rinks as it will still have the same amount of ice as it had prior to construction.

There was also good news for the outdoor rink in Kleefeld as the municipality will be upgrading the boards and rink this year.