Govenment revitalizes local ice rinks

A number ice rinks will be revitalized for the winter season with help from the provincial government -- including the Windsor Arena and Newport-District rinks, which each will benefit from funding.

The provincial government is providing funds amounting to $27,000 each, to 74 separate ice arenas in Nova Scotia as part of a $2 million project aimed at local rink restoration.

Hants West MLA Chuck Porter said the government has made healthy living a priority and the public appreciates this kind of investment in the community for personal health.

The response to the rink revitalization program has been tremendous, Porter said. “However, anytime we can bring money into the area, it’s a good thing.

“Nova Scotia’s arenas are often the heart of a community and investing in them helps people remain physically active,” Porter added. “This funding will help these facilities continue to provide the best service possible to communities.”

The provincial government adopted the rink revitalization program was adopted last spring by the provincial government. Eligible arenas went through an application process online to gain the available funding.

Newport-District rink committee chairperson Garnett Davison said this money will improve the dressing rooms and will help with installation of a heat recovery system.

It costs so much money in oil to heat water used to clean the ice, Davison said. “I really appreciate the money they gave… Finding finances, that’s what our biggest challenge is.

“Our rink opens in September and the place is flooded for ice time through till May,” Davison noted. “This is a community gathering spot… we adapt to accommodate people.”

Windsor Area rink manager Glenn Wentzell said the rink keeps people busy with ice-skating and hockey. “It’s one of the main winter recreation facilities in the town.”

It’s a good way for exercise, Wentzell said, “and extremely important in the community.”