Dukes propose fitness room at arena

A new fitness room proposed by the Wellington Dukes Jr. A hockey club would allow workouts inside the arena – for the team and community – with expected revenue to equal, or surpass current levels for the Rotary room.

Randy Uens, vice-president of hockey and business operations for the Dukes, made the presentation to council at Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

Revenues for the “under-utilized” multipurpose room inside Wellington’s Community Centre are estimated at $10,000. Uens proposes the Dukes would purchase all the equipment, flooring and insurance necessary at a cost of about $60,000. The hockey club would pay $600 in monthly rent ($7,200 annually), plus 10 per cent of net proceeds att thte end of the year – minimum payment at no less than $2,800.

“The County would at least garner the same revenue that has traditionally been earned by that space,” he said. “Much of revenue that has been earned previously cold most likely be moved to the Highline Hall and therefore does not become lost revenues, but rather enhanced revenues.”

The County would continue to provide water, hydro and heat and PEC facility staff would maintain and repair any plumbing or electricity.

The Dukes would begin using the facility once complete (in time for beginning of the season) and the community use would follow. Uens said memberships would be flexible at $30-$45 per month.

He noted the Dukes have been using third-party facilities for fitness needs though they’re “not geared toward the needs of performance athletes and the equipment is not up to the standard needed.”

The facility would include traditional weights, circuit training area, cardio suite and spin bikes to be attractive to all levels of clients. He noted local fitness instructors will also be engaged to offer one-on-one training for clients, “allowing fitness companies to utilize the facilities to expand their business.”

Council asked for a staff report.