The future of Wawa's ice season is up in the air, amid competing requests for space at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Following a request by Council last month - pushed by Councillor Pat Tait - Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says staff had explored the possibility of extending the ice season.
Patterson notes that - as staff was preparing to bring the report to Council - Algoma Public Health made a conflicting request, to use the site as a vaccination facility as it ramps up community distribution.
Patterson adds that request would actually mean an early end to the curling season, which was already truncated by a later start and a two-month pause mid-season, both caused by pandemic-related public health restrictions - and he notes the health unit's also requested use of the banquet hall and lounge, which could mean temporary cancellation of dance, karate, and other programming that would normally take place in that area.
The situation was discussed during this week's Council meeting, with Council deciding more information is needed before making a decision - plans are to do so at the next meeting, or possibly an early special meeting, if time requires.