Will the Storm stay?

Rumours that Osoyoos may lose its beloved Junior B hockey team, the Storm, have been circulating for some time, especially as the Storm recently bowed out of its Sun Bowl Arena concession contract.
Storm owner Barry Dewar said he appreciates Gerald Davis' efforts to get him out of the contract, so he can now deal just with the hockey team.
But Dewar has expressed frustration with what he perceives as a lack of support from the Town of Osoyoos, feelings of mistrust and being misled by the town on a number of issues, and ongoing difficulties in negotiating a liquor license.
Our contract with the town ends at the end of March 2006, and a week ago we met with Gerald Davis from the Recreation Commission to discuss the possibility of renewing the contract, Dewar explained.
He went on to say that there were some issues brought up in the meeting that made Dewar wonder if the town really wants to keep the team here, and said he gave Davis until February 1 to come back with information.
In our discussions, there are a couple of things that are probably deal breakers, and I don't know which way the town will go. We'll see by the end of the month. Personally, I think we're at a crossroads with this hockey team here in Osoyoos and there are some issues that have always been a struggle.rnDewar said he is the fourth team owner in ten years and has struggled to overcome some difficult financial issues he inherited from previous owners. He said the first year was very tough financially, and over the next three years, the team basically broke even. Last year, they made some money. He predicts that this year they'll probably break even or lose some money.
The goal of Junior B hockey is to break even. Having said that, we also had some trouble getting billets because of the situation with the previous owners, and we're now at the point where several of our advertisers haven't paid. I don't know if that's because they think we're leaving or if that's because they don't want to support us anymore.
In order for us to continue in Osoyoos, we need to know we're on a solid footing with the town. We don't need to be fighting over silly non-issues. One of the issues is the beer license, and that's not a non-issue, that's a deal breaker. If you go back three years ago, the town actually approved a liquor license, and that was much appreciated.
But then it took three years for them to decide on the conditions, subject to renegotiating the lease. I questioned from that time on what that meant. They never gave me an answer until last fall, and my opinion is that they just pulled a number out of a hat ($50 per game), Dewar said.
Dewar said that, had the town told him three years ago that the beer garden would have cost $50 per game, he would have paid the money.
I won't pay that; now it's a matter of principle. They took so long to respond, they should have done it for free. They've cost me revenue for three years.
He also wondered, given the demographics of Osoyoos, whether a beer license would work.
I don't know why I should have to take the financial risk when in reality, the proceeds would also benefit the community. In our plan with the town, the revenue from the beer garden was going to be split 50/50 between ourselves and a service club. To me it's a no-brainer.
My concern is, why should I take the risk of first paying the $1,400 fee to get the license and then have to pay $50 per game. The town should step up to the plate and say they want a team here, they want us to succeed and they're willing to help, Dewar said.
Dewar said although the town had concerns, there was basically no communication over the three years to get things moving.
Among other things, the town keeps bringing up the concern that I'm making too much money. I keep wondering why they would worry about that. If I was them, and I was looking at Junior Hockey as one of my most significant users, one who is drawing in a lot of money into the community, I would try to work with them.rnDewar said over $30,000 is generated by bringing the Aussies to Osoyoos, through renting the ice, the Elks Hall, and eating at Smitty's.
Last year, with the Cyclone Taylor, we easily brought in over $100,000 and filled several hotels in April. And we spend $350 per player billeted out here every month. That's money that is staying in the community. All these things are economic spin-offs for the town, as well as hotel rooms and meals for visiting fans and parents.
One of the comments that was made at the council meeting was that I have the best deal in the KIJHL, and my response to that is 'who cares?'
Dewar explained that there are 15 teams in the KIJHL, and all but three of them - Osoyoos, Kimberley and Summerland - are owned by private societies.
We are teams that people are now coming to and saying, 'hey, will you move?' The fact that I have the best deal in the KIJHL is all relative to what kind of population base you've got, Dewar explained.
He said that, a population of roughly 5,000, is a relatively small fan base to draw from. Added to that is the reality that it's just as easy for neighbouring Oliver and Keremeos hockey fans to go see the Vees play in Penticton.
How can you compare us to Revelstoke, Castlegar or Nelson, which are twice the size?
He added that three people have offered to buy the team, including a group from the City of Armstrong, but said his first option is to see what the town will do.
If we don't think we can make a deal, then we'll pursue those avenues, Dewar said.