Whitney Pier rink to remain open

After being a fixture in the community for 50 years, the Whitney Pier Rink will remain standing.

A meeting, which attracted about 60 people, was held on Thursday evening to talk about the future of the building.

Kim Sheppard, a member of the rink’s board of directors, said a committee is in place and will work to keep the facility open.

“We had players from the men’s hockey league playing at our rink and others around the community to help make sure this rink stays in our community,” said Sheppard.

Sheppard also said how much the rink means to the community of Whitney Pier.

“It really means the world to them. Not everybody wants to drive into town for everything. It’s nice to have somewhere you can walk to and have fun in your own community.”

The rink also has a partnership with the Whitney Pier Boys and Girls Club where free ice time is given to the children for good deeds such as cleaning up garbage.

Problems began when hockey teams left the Pier Rink to play on the new ice surfaces in Membertou. With the loss of the teams came a loss of revenue.

Sheppard said the addition of a gentlemen’s hockey league will boost rentals and the board hopes to host such events as parties, dances and flea markets.

The board also plans on fundraising.

“We haven’t decided on the type of fundraising yet but we have plenty of people who are volunteering their time to make sure it happens.”

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the provincial government have provided some funding.

The money will be used to help pay the power bill as well as fund equipment and repairs.