Arena buys ice resurfacer
Dominion rink manager says old equipment lasted past its prime
The manager of the Dominion Arena said they are no longer going to be travelling on thin ice with the facility’s ice resurfacer.
John Wadden said the arena is purchasing a new resurfacer at a cost of $100,000 and it is expected to arrive in March.
The Olympia is 22 years old and has lived a good life, said Wadden.
“Like any facility and any building, the equipment has a life expectancy and the life expectancy of this machine is about 20 years,” he said. “We had to (decide) — do you wait until it completely breaks down or do you get one while you can?”
Wadden said given the age of the machine, it was constantly being repaired.
“If it was to completely break down then we’re closed because we need (a resurfacer) to clean the ice.”
Wadden said overall the arena will be completing upgrades which will cost about $150,000 this year.
“We’ve just replaced every exit door in the building which cost us $40,000.”
Wadden said although they would have liked to have secured more funding, they did get $25,000 from the province and $15,000 from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“We appreciate that we got a little funding with the doors but it looks like the Olympia is going to be paid from our hard work and dedication.”
Wadden said the Dominion Arena doesn’t make money and they are lucky to break even. The rink is run by a non-profit organization with a board of directors.
“Any events or functions or fundraisers that we put on are strictly for the benefit of patrons who use the facility.”
Wadden said the Dominion Arena is probably one of the busiest facilities in the municipality.
“Our ice rentals have been solid for the past seven years, meaning I don’t really have any more ice available to give anyone,” he said.
The arena is home to Glace Bay Minor Hockey and gentlemen’s hockey as well as adult skating.
Although the Bayplex in Glace Bay is currently closed for renovations, that closure didn’t have an impact on the Dominion Arena because minor hockey always utilized the Dominion facility.
“I couldn’t have given them more ice time anyway as there wasn’t any more to give,” Wadden said.
“We’re at full capacity.” The rink also houses the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association’s office, Bay Bye Sports and sessions of D&R Dance.