The city is exploring the closure of one of its arenas as part of its cuts to balance the 2021 budget.
City staff say closing one of the four arenas owned and operated by the city could save $155,000 annually.
There is also further money to be made in selling the land to a developer.
Through consultation with Develop Saint John, staff have narrowed down the choices to either the Hilton Belyea Arena on the west side or the Charles Gorman Arena in Millidgeville.
Should the item be approved by council at a later date, Develop Saint John would do a more in-depth analysis at which property would offer the best business case for a new development.
The catch? The land or the building cannot be used as an arena in the future if sold.
Staff says the demand for prime ice time in all four arenas is 76 per cent and believe those demands can still be met with just three arenas.
City staff will also be coming back to council in the new year with a recommendation to lease the arenas or contract them out to a private company.
