Petition to Review Ice-Time Fees Charged to the AHMV by the Borough of Verdun

DEAR PARENTS, FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE AHMV, I NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Today, I am asking you to sign and share an important petition concerning the future of amateur sports in Verdun.

This morning, in the local newspaper Explore Verdun–IDS, I discuss the many projects ahead for the Verdun Minor Hockey Association for the 2026–2027 season. But I also address a situation that, in my view, has become unacceptable for our young hockey players and other young athletes in the borough of Verdun: the rental fees charged for sports facilities.

The cost of ice time charged to our association by the borough has become exorbitant.

Last year alone, the AHMV received a total bill of approximately $80,000 for ice time and ended the year with a $45,000 deficit.

Although the borough provides approximately $25,000 in funding through the PAF program, this assistance remains far from sufficient to ensure the long-term sustainability of our activities.

Even more concerning is the explanation behind these fees, which we find difficult to understand. According to the explanations we have received, the arenas are now considered to have a commercial purpose and must generate revenue in order to qualify for a significant annual property tax credit.

But we are not a business.

We are a non-profit organization, largely run by volunteers, whose mission is to give young people in Verdun the opportunity to play their sport.

If nothing changes, our association’s financial situation will simply become unsustainable. At this rate, within three years, the AHMV may no longer be able to continue operating.

And hockey is not the only sport affected. Fees associated with sports facilities also impact other organizations, including figure skating, baseball and soccer, all of which are facing significant financial pressure.

We also feel that the situation in Verdun differs from what exists in other Montréal boroughs. This difference in treatment is difficult to accept.

Without changes, we will eventually be forced to significantly increase registration fees for families in order to balance our finances.

And that is exactly what we want to avoid.

We want sports in Verdun to remain accessible, affordable and competitive, especially for our young athletes and their families.

After several years of meetings and discussions with the administration, we unfortunately find that the situation remains essentially unchanged.

The issue now extends far beyond minor hockey:

What place does Verdun want to give to amateur sports, to its young people, and to the volunteer organizations that help them stay active, grow and reach their full potential?

📢 I have therefore submitted a petition proposal calling for a public consultation by the City of Montréal on this issue.

If you would like to support this initiative, I invite you to sign the petition here:

👉 Sign the petition – City of Montréal

Every signature counts. Every share can make a difference.

To receive email updates on the progress of this initiative, you will first need to create an online account on the City of Montréal website.

My sincere thanks to all the parents, volunteers, coaches, players, partners and citizens who choose to support this initiative.

Together, let’s make the voice of amateur sports in Verdun heard.

Petition: Review of Fees Charged to Sports Associations in the Borough of Verdun

Jean-François Guay
President
Verdun Minor Hockey Association (AHMV)