Summer ice is a go in Fort Frances.

Town council gave the green light to proceed after 79% of a targeted 291 hours of ice time sales was sold to various users.

In a report to council, Recreation and Culture Manager Nathan Young stated that there was also interest from others wanting to book ice time for birthday parties or private activities that amounted to another 20 hours.

“The Recreation and Culture Department is highly likely to meet and exceed the revenue projections for summer ice, potentially putting the project into cost recovery, if not generating revenue, by the start of summer,” writes Young.

He adds further sales are anticipated with council’s decision to have ice in the arena in July and August.

Additional programs have also been pencilled in that include shinny skates, public skating, day camp internal field trips, and a learn to skate program with a potential partner.

Young writes that the Summer Ice Pilot Project will provide organizations, with more time to develop their summer program offerings.

“Because this is a new opportunity in the district, it may take organizations a year or two to develop and strengthen their summer ice programs.”

The cost to have summer ice is estimated at $47,751.

Current sales amount to $30,016.86.