From the ashes
Work on new rink in Tyne Valley could get underway this year
TYNE VALLEY – The project manager behind the efforts to build a new rink in Tyne Valley expressed optimism, Wednesday, that construction will commence this year.
Jeff Noye, who is also mayor of Tyne Valley, said meetings are being held on an almost daily basis to plan and fundraise for a new arena to replace Tyne Valley and Area Community Sports Centre that burned on Dec. 29.
To make way for a new arena, removal of the rubble from the fire started Wednesday. Noye suggested the process, including sorting of the rubble, could take a month or more to complete.
If funding were to fall in place soon, Noye said construction could start this spring. “I think, best-case scenario, you’re talking midJune but, probably more so, September.”
The project committee already has a general idea of what a new rink would look like, similar in design to the facilities in Tignish and Abram-Village. Noye said they hope to include a gym, similar to the Evangeline Rec Centre, and to incorporate design plans that fit in well with summertime use as the arena was always a key venue for the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival.
The committee is also courting the idea of putting up a net-zero facility.
Last summer solar panels were put on the roof of the sports centre, affording the facility the potential to cut its energy bill in half. With a new arena, using solar panels and the most efficient infrastructure, the committee thinks it can drastically reduce energy costs.
“It could be the first netzero arena in Canada which is really kind of cool,” Noye said.
Building an energy-efficient facility will cost more initially, Noye said, but will save expenses extensively over its life span.
He said estimates for a new facility are now approaching $8 million. The committee is expecting a portion of that to be covered by insurance, and they are hoping government contributions will help with the cost, as regular meetings with officials and committee members have been held regularly.
Noye said the fundraising committee is hoping it can get a new rink operational without a mortgage. About a year ago monies from the Oyster Festival helped the old arena pay off its mortgage. With the mortgage paid off, Noye said, it was hoped that the festival could help to keep minor hockey and figure skating rates, and ice rentals, low at the facility.
Adam MacLennan is chairing the fundraising committee for a new rink and is also chair of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival committee.
He said members of the community are eager to get moving on a new facility.
“Despite the devastation, there’s now an opportunity to build a community rink and community centre that services the community for the next number of years,” he said but noted the process takes time.
“That’s what it is: Time and finances.”
He pointed out the community will be consulted before plans for a replacement arena are finalized. In the meantime, research is ongoing.
“We want to do it right and make sure that we put up a facility that will serve the community and the needs of the community for many years.”
The fundraising committee hopes to come up with $1 million through a variety of initiatives, including Sunday’s NHL Legends game at Summerside’s Credit Union Place. They are also keeping fingers crossed that Tyne Valley’s entry will make the cut for the final round of the Kraft Hockeyville competition.
The ultimate winner gets $250,000. Nominations close on Sunday.