The Elm Creek Arena has a busy fall ahead, harvesting a field in the RM of Grey, installing artificial ice, and preparing for winter programming.
Arena board member Daniel Lepp said their season is off to a strong start with a high-yielding crop and the upcoming ice upgrade.
“This rink provides our seniors and youth a place to exercise and play their favourite sport together,” he said. “This is a common place for people to visit, cheer and participate in activities. [These both] will make the rink usable in more months of the year.”
Lepp explained that due to mild winter temperatures and limited ice availability elsewhere, the shift to artificial ice was essential. Ice production is expected to begin in the plant by early October and should be fully installed about two weeks later.
Lepp expects the rink to become busier once the upgrade is complete and emphasized that community support is vital.
“The rink being used lots is what we want for this community, but the challenge is finding the help to keep it running as it takes quite a few volunteers to keep it going,” he said.
The project will cost approximately $700,000. Through donations, a $30,000 grant from the RM of Grey and community partnerships, the arena has been able to fund the upgrade.
The Encoma and Wingham colonies, located northwest of Elm Creek, manufactured and helped install the one-inch piping in the floor and also volunteered their time with other tasks. “They were a great help and a very important part of our community,” Lepp noted. “It’s pretty great to have local supplies made that went into our project.”
This year’s harvest also supported the upgrades, raising about $32,000 for general operating and maintenance costs. The board also hopes to install a new concrete pad for the Zamboni and add LED lighting in addition to the artificial ice system.
Thanks to the annual harvest, municipal grants and funding from the Carman Area Foundation, Elm Creek Arena is able to continue offering yearly programming to the community. Lepp said he’s thankful for the support they receive — especially from farmers who donate their time to care for the field.
“Everyone on our board –– except for one member –– is involved in farming in some way or another,” Lepp added. “When you look at who the volunteers are that keeps the rink going, chances are they work in the Ag Industry.”
