The Municipality of Lambton Shores

y the renovations, that whatever solution that may be, also apply to the Dirty Dogs, it
may take a month or more to resolve the issue for all groups and organizations. As for
the repayment of these costs it is suggested that this be treated as a “Deferred Debt” of
the Thedford Dirty Dogs, to be repaid over time, once the club gets back on its feet.
As for the outstanding ice rental billing for the 2009-10 season of $6,383.90 it is
suggested that this be added to the “Deferred Debt” of the team, together the total debt
would amount to $12,612.27. I would stress again that this financial obligation of the
team be held, interest free, and be paid down over time as the team can afford. The
status of this outstanding amount would be reviewed annually to ensure plans are in
place for its retirement.
The 2011-12 Season –Business Plan
Recognizing that the operation of a Senior AA Hockey Club is a complex and
challenging venture, especially in a small market, the Dirty Dogs have recognized the
need to restructure their organization and adopt a more “businesslike” approach to
running the team, to this end Mr. Bill Ballard a local Lambton Shores resident and
retired businessman has agreed to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the
team. Mr. Ballard met with Mayor Weber, and Councillors Bonesteel and Russell along
with staff to discuss the finances of the club, their current dilemma and a strategy for the
future viability of the club. While the details of this are still under discussion, it is
anticipated that a more viable business plan for the club will be established for the
upcoming 2011-12 season. I should further state that any financial arrangements
regarding the Dirty Dogs, be conditional upon Mr. Ballard’s continued role as Chief
Executive Officer of the teams “off-ice” business.
There is hope that the Dirty Dogs will see a restoration of their fan base and financial
viability for the 2011-12 season. The new Legacy Centre facility will be substantially
completed later this month, with full operations recommencing this fall. As part of the
business plan for the Dirty Dogs viability, accommodations have been made to permit,
with Council approval the setting up of a “Blue Line Club” in the Legacy Centre that will
allow the club to serve alcohol at its games. The details of how this will be set up have
yet to be worked out.
Summary
The report above is an attempt to address the immediate and long term financial issues
of the Dirty Dogs Senior AA Hockey Team. The suggestions outlined in the report are
simply recommendations on how that might be accomplished. Detailed implementation
of the plan would be the next step if Council is agreeable.
The plan in brief is to defer, not forgive, the outstanding ice time rental costs incurred by
the team and to allow those costs to be repaid, without interest, over time. The second
component of the plan is to incorporate the other financial losses incurred by the club
from the loss of their home base into the overall compensation package being
developed for all user groups impacted by the delayed completion of the Legacy Centre.
The third component of the plan is to require the Dirty Dogs to designate Mr. Bill Ballard
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