ELORA – The Elora Rocks are asking Centre Wellington Council to forgive a $25,000 debt or the team could fold.
Rich Wigmore warned he may step down as manager of the 100-year-old team without help.
The Elora Rocks’ financial woes started around 2010 when they couldn’t cover ice rental fees. The council of the day gave the club an interest-free loan, Wigmore assumed when he took over the team in 2019.
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton is concerned forgiving the loan would set a precedent leading to other groups asking for their loans to be forgiven.
Councillor Kimberley Jefferson sympathized with Wigmore who faced a pandemic and renovations to the arena in Elora, making it difficult for the team to bring in money, urging council to help in whatever way it can.
Staff will present more options for council to consider at the June 10 council meeting.
