London hockey organization scores committee approval to add livestreaming cameras to arenas
CBC
It could soon be possible for the friends and family of minor hockey players in London, and the players themselves, to watch back games or practices held at city-owned ice rinks.
City councillors on the Community and Protective Services Committee voted unanimously on Monday in favour of a plan to add cameras and video streaming capabilities to eight municipal rinks as part of an agreement with the Greater London Hockey Association (GLHA).
The organization, which offers U8 to U21 hockey programs for London youth and young adults, will pay for the installation and the operation of the cameras, according to a city staff report.
The cameras themselves are owned by Montreal-based LiveBarn. Alliance Hockey, of which GLHA is a member, signed a deal last year to make the firm the video streamer for its members across southwestern Ontario, the staff report says.
The company describes itself on its website as being a provider of live and on-demand video of amateur and youth sporting events from more than 1,000 facilities.
Users can pay a subscription fee to stream video from the various venues it operates in, including Ilderon Arena, Komoka Wellness Centre, St. Thomas Elgin Memorial Arena, and the Western Fair Sports Centre.
"I have heard from other hockey parents visiting us that they did have frustration that when they visit other towns hosting tournament weekends, that they had this facility amenity, and we did not," said Ward 12 Coun. Elizabeth Peloza.
Peloza, who during the meeting described herself as a "hockey mom," said the cameras would allow family members to watch the game if they couldn't make it in person, and even allow players to check out the competition and their own goals.
Last year, video of a 13-year-old Saskatchewan player's 10-second hat trick went viral after it was caught on a LiveBarn camera.
As CBC News has previously reported, the cameras also provide the additional effect of giving viewers the ability to question referee calls, and hold players and coaches accountable for alleged rule breaking.
"It keeps us more competitive and offers a higher level of quality of service to not only Londoners, but those experiencing our city," Peloza said.
The city would enter into an agreement with GLHA to install the cameras at eight arenas, including Argyle, Bostwick, Carling, Earl Nichols, Kinsmen, Medway, Oakridge, and Stronach.
The cameras would be operational during games and practices of Alliance Hockey members only, for the entirety of the season.
According to the staff report, Lambeth arena will not have cameras installed, as the Lambeth Minor Hockey Association are members of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
