At this week’s General Committee meeting, Council discussed the financials of The Lind Realty Team Sports Dome; It is truly great news to see how the purchase of the The Lind Realty Team Sports Dome has proven to be a tremendous asset for the Town of Aurora and its residents. Back in 2018 we made a commitment to bring the dome under Town ownership; to bring greater opportunities for our youth when it comes to sports and greater value for our residents. We partnered with the Aurora Youth Soccer Club (AYSC) to manage day-to-day operations efficiently – including permitting, customer service, and general supervision and due to the incredible job AYSC has done, the town has realized considerable cost savings.
The report put forward at General Committee provided a snapshot of the success as the Dome’s financial outlook is stronger than expected, with 2023 revenue forecasted at $700,000, driven by rebounding permitting. Not only have revenues risen, but Aurora’s Dome offers value to the community with rental rates approximately 30% below the benchmark average during the regular indoor season and 75% below during summer.
In January of 2021, I championed the purchase of the Dome and am proud that Council in the majority agreed to move forward with its purchase. Due to that decision, we are now projected to have a surplus of up to $6,000,000 over 20 years. So what does this mean? Well, it means that this is the only facility in Aurora if not the Region that does not cost the taxpayers to run. It makes money; money that ends up being reinvested in the facility for anything that needs updating or maintenance. The Dome’s impact on Aurora has been overwhelmingly positive, with operational efficiency, financial stability, and community value at the forefront.
That is what we as a Council always look to do – provide the best possible service at the best possible price and the purchase of the Dome and partnership agreement with AYSC does exactly that!! We have an asset that generates a surplus of over $300,000 per year while providing rental rates for our residents that are lower than the average in other communities and a community partner that provides great service for our facility and for our residents. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone
