Girls fair-share ice-time debate put over
December 2, 2009
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Facing pressure to set fairer rules for allocating ice time at city-owned rinks, Toronto council has decided to ice the puck.
After three hours of debate Tuesday, council will come back Wednesday to tackle the complaint that girls' hockey leagues don't get their fair share of ice time at city rinks. The leagues say this forces them to rent time at more expensive private arenas.
The Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association had touched off the battle for more time when it threatened to lay a human rights complaint against the city.
"We should be encouraging young women in this city to play hockey. ...," Mayor David Miller told the chamber crowded with parents, and girls in hockey jerseys. "I think it's fantastic that we have a league like Leaside that has hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of girls playing hockey."
Miller said the city's proposal gives arena boards flexibility in meeting the city's policies.
A proposal crafted by Councillor Janet Davis (Ward 31, Beaches-East York) would ensure that "all children and youth activity for both girls and boys receives its proportionate share of prime ice time."
John Spears and Jennifer Yang
Toronto Star