OLDS — The Olds Grizzlys have committed to remain in Olds for at least five years and possibly far longer, but costs and the state of facilities for hockey could change that, says Moe Jamal, the team’s new primary owner.
During an interview with the Albertan, Jamal said he discussed his plans during negotiations with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and with Town of Olds officials.
He sent a letter of commitment to remain in Olds for at least five years to the AJHL.
“That commitment is valid as long as the ice rates and stuff stays stable,” he said.
“So if the town, for example, was to double our ice rates next year, then that would throw us into, you know, a financially unviable position, right?
“So I can't see them doing that, but I'm assuming the town wants us there as well, which is a key piece of my commitment.
“As long as we're both wanting to be there, we've made a five-year commitment to the town and to the AJ, to be there,” he added.
“That’s the first I’m hearing of rates doubling at the Sportsplex; perhaps was Moe was speaking figuratively,” Town of Olds' chief administrative officer Brent Willams said in an email.
“We have an annual rate review process where we compare Sportsplex fees charged at other like-sized facilities and communities and try to be in the 50th percentile. Annual increases usually average about 2-3 per cent. That process will continue.”
Jamal would also like to see the Sportsplex, the home of the Grizzlys, renovated, if a totally new facility can’t be built.
However, he’s also cognizant of the pressures the Town is under such as water inflow issues and the loss of SNDL as a taxpayer.
He has heard that the Town of Olds is looking at renovating the facility and that gives him hope.
“I think renovating seems to be the route that the town would like to take on it, and obviously we're hopeful that comes to fruition, you know, sooner than later,” he said. “But it doesn't seem like it's going to be any time soon, from what I gather.”
In his email, Williams said the Town has spent lots of money on the Sportsplex and plans to spend a lot more on it.
“The Town has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last several years on Sportsplex repairs and upgrades; and initiated further upgrades, beginning with mechanical upgrades and ramp replacements in 2025, and continuing in 2026 with an electrical system overhaul,” he wrote.
“Council will soon be given a 10-year capital plan on required repairs that they will consider, which is taken from the 2024 engineering assessment.
“The largest single item over the next 10 years is the roof replacement, which is tentatively planned for 2027 and is expected to cost nearly $3 million.”
Jamal was asked if the Grizzlys will pull out of town if their concerns aren’t addressed.
He said one of the reasons he bought the Grizzlys is the community is relatively close to Calgary, where he and his young family live.
“If this franchise was anywhere else, I would not have been interested in it,” he said.
“In my opinion, I paid a premium for this franchise because of its location, so I really want this to be the place that I'm here forever and ever. But I need the town to want me to be there as well.
“If we change the on-ice product (and) we're successful, the business community needs to get behind it. The town needs to support it.
“If all those things are true -- we want to be there and they want us there -- then I'm hoping this is not a conversation we ever have to revisit, right?”
Williams said the municipality values having the Grizzlys in the community.
“We worked closely with both groups over the last several months, as a lease renewal with the Town (of Olds) was one of the conditions of a sale proceeding,” he wrote.
“And while the economic impact has not been measured, there are certainly positive spin-offs, including player and fan spending during game nights on restaurants and hotels, canteen revenue for minor hockey, and utilization of the Sportsplex ice during non-peak hours.”
