Prince Edward County Council has voted to decline a proposed sponsorship deal by the Wellington Dukes.
The vote came during Tuesday’s council meeting, where council members discussed a staff report created in response to an offer of a sponsorship deal by the Wellington Dukes.
The Dukes were seeking benefits including free ice time and $50,000 in funding. In exchange the Dukes offered to make Prince Edward County their named sponsor, presenting the advertising benefits of getting Prince Edward County’s branding on the Dukes’ uniforms and merchandise.
Councillor Roy Pennell put the motion on the floor for debate, but advocated against taking the deal.
“I have nothing but support and gratitude for the team,” said Pennell. “But as a municipality, we have many different groups that need support, so I cannot in all conscience actually support the motion myself.”
During discussions on the proposal, several concerns were brought up about the deal, including a high price tag, loss of revenue from ice time rental, and that the county already spends a significant amount on marketing.
The matter was put to vote after brief debate, and the sponsorship deal was declined.
The existing agreement with the Wellington Dukes regarding ice usage at the Duke Dome was renewed for five years, with a minor change to allow for a training room on site for the Wellington Dukes to use.
