Douro-Dummer looking to ‘Hockeyville’ to boost equality
Township urges everyone to make voting a priority on May 6 and 7
The idea of hosting a pre-season NHL game sounds nice, but Kerri Riel says it would also be nice if Douro-Dummer’s girls’ hockey teams weren’t forced to change in a converted closet with no washroom.
For many of the township’s residents, it’s a time to celebrate, knowing they were successful in their efforts in lobbying the people behind Kraft Hockeyville to consider their plight.
Only four Canadian entries are chosen for the contest and the Douro-Dummer entry was the only successful bid from Ontario. Last year, Bobcaygeon was a finalist in the contest that eventually went to Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. Bobcaygeon still received $25,000 for being a finalist — an amount already guaranteed to Douro-Dummer.
Kraft Heinz Canada, in partnership with the NHL and the NHLPA, announced the four finalists on April 23.
The grand prize winner will have an opportunity to host an NHL preseason game on a date to be determined and receive $250,000 to be used toward arena upgrades.
All three runners-up will receive $25,000 for arena upgrades.
The winner and three other finalists will also receive $10,000 in new hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs, courtesy of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund. Joining Douro-Dummer among the finalists are Princeton, B.C., Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., and Sydney, N.S. All will receive $25,000 for arena upgrades.
The winner and three other finalists will also receive $10,000 in new hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs, courtesy of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund.
Final voting opens May 6 at 9 a.m. running until May 7 at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced later that evening.
Riel, the secretary of Douro Minor Hockey Association, says with two arenas in the township, even a win of $250,000 can only go so far. But officials there have identified some areas as priorities, including change rooms for girls and better accessibility to view the games.
“Our arenas have the necessities to be considered acceptable, but definitely not equitable or inclusive for our members,” she says. “There are some temporary ramps and things, but people who have mobility challenges have to ask for help to get those set up for them and the bathrooms are very difficult to manage as well … We know that $250,000 is not going to get everything we need to do, but it’s definitely a start.”
Votes can only be cast on the Kraft Hockeyville website (krafthockeyville.ca) during the May 6 to 7 voting phase, but voting per person is unlimited. Voters will be asked to sign in or register to vote.
‘‘ Our arenas have the necessities to be considered acceptable, but definitely not equitable or inclusive for our members.