Beginning Monday, January 5, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians members will pay $2 for open skate sessions at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace, $1 discount from the standard rate of $3. The increase is part of a city goal to increase the facility's revenue.

Since the facility was constructed in 1999, tribal members have been allowed to skate free. The tribe helped finance construction of the structure.

"For their sake, we have an obligation that the investment is kept viable," City Manager Eric Dodson told The St. Ignace News Monday, January 5.

Fitness center rates are not changing, he said. Tribal members pay $17.50 per month, city residents pay $28 per month, Moran and St. Ignace township residents pay $31.50 per month, and other users pay $35 per month.