Back to SearchAfter receiving funding approvals from both Federal and Provincial governments, Central Community Club Inc. and the City of Kenora are pleased to announce that the lights will be back on at the Central Community Club soon.
Reconstruction of the clubhouse and rink will start this summer, with federal and provincial support under the joint funding program ‘Investing in Canada’ – a program supporting investment in community culture and recreation projects across the province. The funds will help pay for the construction of a new clubhouse, electrical upgrades, and a new rink. Before its closure, hundreds of families and children used the Central rink every day in the wintertime.
Following the Central clubhouse demolition in 2018, volunteers remained committed to seeing a new building in its place, and began developing plans for a new building. They launched the ‘Light up Central’ campaign to raise the funds for the rebuild, and were met with overwhelming support from the community. The campaign raised over $117,000, which included toque sale proceeds, grants through the Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation, a GoFundMe page, and support from local businesses and organizations including Solid Construction, the Kinsmen, Lions Club, and Standard Insurance.
The City initiated the effort by committing $100,000 to the project, and by partnering with Central Community Club Inc. to manage the project. Fundraising efforts are still underway, but with this funding investment Kenora residents should be able to “Light up Central” within the next two years. The project partners aim to have the project completed in 2021 with a tentative reopening for the outdoor rink and Community Club in the winter of 2021/2022.
“The City is pleased to see the investment by the Federal and Provincial Government in our community supporting a vital recreational amenity like Central Community Club. Investments in cultural and recreational infrastructure are essential to building inclusive, connected communities. Partnerships continue to move our community forward with community donations, City support and this joint government funding, this project will now be achieved and is an exciting time for our community” states Mayor Daniel Reynard.
“The support for this project has been incredible, from the community, our local businesses, and our volunteers - but also our local MPP Greg Rickford and the City of Kenora, who have been champions of this project. Most people from Kenora have a story about Central rink. Our organization has and always will be committed to keeping the lights on at Central. With this funding, Central’s legacy as a community space that offers free and safe outdoor recreation to everyone will continue. Clearly, all three levels of government recognize the important public value of this investment in our community. And it really could not have come at a better time.” Central Community Club Inc.
While the conceptual drawing is still very draft at this time, it provides some clarity on the vision for the area which includes:
- The footprint of the designated area of the existing Central Community Club will be doubled to accommodate a 64 x 32 clubhouse
- The lot will be large enough to accommodate the relocation of the existing outdoor rink which the Central Community Club plans on rebuilding.
- There will be a second ice surface without boards for pleasure skating
- To accommodate the reorientation of the arena and the larger clubhouse, the small baseball diamond will be removed to allow for the development
- A concept drawing has been developed to help illustrate the amenities that the new area will accommodate. (Please Note: this is purely conceptual at this time subject to alteration prior to build)
Contacts
Tim Gosnell, Central Community Club Inc. President 807-464-2006
Jeff VanWalleghem, Central Community Club Inc. Vice President 807-464-0375
Heather Pihulak, City Clerk/Communications Lead 807-467-2295
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