Special TM to decide fate of Metropolis Skating Rink

Aerial photo of Metropolis Rink following the roof collapse in 2015 (Bill McGonagle photo)

Canton voters will decide the fate of the Metropolis Skating Rink — shuttered since 2015 following a roof collapse — at a special town meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, December 12, at 7 p.m. in the Canton High School auditorium.

Next week’s action could finally set the town on a definitive path toward rebuilding the rink — a process that has been hampered by numerous delays over the past three years. As of last Friday, November 30, the actual cost of the rebuild was undetermined as the town was still awaiting updated cost estimates from the rink architect. The initial estimate was $10 million plus another $150,000 to purchase a new ice resurfacer (Zamboni).

The town has thus far received $2.5 million in insurance proceeds with the potential to receive another $2 million if the project gets underway by February 28, 2019. The fast-approaching deadline, which is now just 12 weeks away, was the reason that the Board of Selectmen opted to call a special town meeting in December rather than waiting until the regular town meeting this spring.

Besides the additional insurance proceeds, the town could also be in line for state and federal funding for the project, although no determination had been made on either as of November 30. Canton was still awaiting word from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding its application for federal disaster funds, which could cover up to 75 percent of repair costs for damages incurred during the winter storms of 2015. Additionally, state lawmakers have approved a legislative bond bill that contains a $5 million appropriation for Metropolis Rink repairs; however, that specific earmark is still awaiting a signature from Governor Charlie Baker, who retains the right to veto any individual project within the bond bill.

“While our state legislators are continuing to push for state funds for the rink, we can’t count on [those funds] at this time,” said Murgia. “If FEMA approves our project to rebuild the rink, there will be no impact to taxpayers. If not and we borrow $4 million outside the levy, we estimate a $20 tax increase for 30 years.”

The article to be considered at next week’s town meeting asks voters to authorize the treasurer to borrow $7.8 million, but that number could drop substantially with the additional insurance proceeds and any state or federal grants.

According to the FinCom report, if FEMA approves Canton’s disaster fund application, then the cost to the town would likely be $1.5 million and could be paid for out of the existing Rink Enterprise Fund.

The FinCom report also notes that the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is willing to extend the terms of the current lease by more than 20 years through July 1, 2052. The land and the building are both state owned and if local voters reject the rebuilding plan, the insurance proceeds will be transferred to the state.

Recent inspections have shown that the rink building, severely damaged by the roof collapse, also has several code and safety deficiencies and its mechanical systems are either too old or have been damaged by long-term exposure to the unheated conditions since the incident. The proposal before the town calls for selectively demolishing and rebuilding the rink portion of the building. The foundation would be retained and the connected concrete service wings that house offices, restrooms, locker rooms and other support spaces would be upgraded and renovated.

Since the closure of the facility in 2015, Canton selectmen have been vocal in their support for a rink rebuild while repeatedly stressing its importance as a regional, low-cost option for ice skating and hockey for all ages.

“The Metropolis Rink has been a community institution in Canton for decades and the Board of Selectmen has heard loud and clear from the public that it should be rebuilt,” said BOS Chairman Mark Porter. “Not only does it add to our community, but it creates a level of cost certainty and ice availability for our high school and youth hockey teams. Based on our initial projections of the portion of the bill the town will have to pay, it represents a small price for taxpayers for what we will get in return.”

Porter added that he does not view Metropolis as a competitor to the other rinks in the area. “The demand is there and other rinks chose to build even when Metropolis was fully operational,” he said.

At the FinCom meeting on October 23, representatives from Canton Youth Hockey made it clear to FinCom members that a town-operated rink is still needed and would provide an affordable public skating option for residents, the Canton Public Schools, and local organizations.

The cost of ice time at the privately owned Canton Ice House, currently home to the CHS hockey teams, has substantially increased over the past three years, prompting the School Committee to approve facility fee increases for all hockey players effective this winter. The facility fee, which is separate from the user fee that all CHS athletes pay, will increase from $250 to $350. Current ice rental rates are projected at $310 per hour for the upcoming season.

Selectman John Connolly, a CHS alumnus and lifelong resident, has been an ardent supporter of the rebuild effort and feels that the project is long overdue. Now, with a vote set for next week, Connolly said there could finally be some “actual light at the end of the tunnel.”

Noting that Metropolis has been a fixture in Canton since the early 1970s, Connolly hopes to see it remain a “vital part of the community” and he intends to push hard to keep the name of the rink unchanged. He said there is still great demand for ice and a town operated rink would help to keep costs down for school and youth sports programs.

For more information on the December 12 STM and to view the recommendations of the FinCom, click on the Special Town Meeting link at the town of Canton website.

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