Kinkora council approves funding for outdoor rink

Kinkora is moving ahead with a plan to build an outdoor rink.

The community council voted recently in favour of allocating $10,000 of its gas tax rebate to the project.

A volunteer committee pitched the idea to council during the meeting. The community agreed to put up the funds for construction if the volunteers maintain the ice surface.

Local resident Janet Payne originally put out a call for volunteers to form a committee and was encouraged by the response she got.

“It’s great news,” said Payne. “We’re so happy that the project has been approved and we’re able to move forward immediately.”

The intention is to build a clay-based 90’ by 70’ ice surface with a berm perimeter. Lighting and a hydrant for flooding with also be installed.

The rink will be built next to the community centre and fire hall on Anderson Street.

Community Coun. Robert Duffy said there have been previous attempts to build an outdoor rink in the community, but aside from the spotty availability of funding, there was always a question of who would maintain and monitor it.

With this latest proposal, there seems to be a core group in the community, many of them young people, willing to put in the work, he said.

“I think it’s great to see young people rally together and volunteer their time. And it’s great for the younger kids below them to see that,” said Duffy.

If the ice service proves successful this year, Payne said the committee’s intention is to apply for more funding in 2018 to build a more permanent structure.

Phase 2 of the project would include an asphalt surface, boards around the perimeter and a small warming room.