By the time hockey season comes around in the fall of 2024, Chase’s historical ice rink, the Art Holding Memorial Arena, will look a lot different.
The arena, home of the Chase Heat of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, Chase Minor Hockey Association and the Shuswap Skating Club, was named winner of a renovation contest, held by the Vancouver Canucks and LiUNA Local 1611.
It will be on the receiving end of $100,000 in upgrades.
“Essential renovations and upgrades will be coming to the rink, as winner of the ‘Game Changer Reno’ contest,” said Terry Kalna, chief revenue officer of Canucks Sports and Entertainment.
“Local community rinks, such as Art Holding Memorial Arena, are part of the critical infrastructure and fabric of these communities, and we are thrilled to partner with LiUNA Local 1611 to be a part of fostering the growth and development of hockey in B.C.”
The Game Changer Reno contest was launched in early 2024, allowing residents of the province to nominate local rinks. A panel of judges selected the winner, based on the community’s spirit and passion for hockey.
Owen Christon, facility manager of the arena, was brought “close to tears” after hearing the good news.
“Winning the contest will boost current plans to update the arena. It will help to continue the community tradition of sport and gathering for years to come,” he said.
The Art Holding Memorial Arena was opened in 1999. Community support was crucial to its opening, as were volunteers who did the majority of its construction.
“Chase is a little village with big goals, a big heart, and a much-loved ice arena that just needs some TLC,” said Nav Malhotra, business manager/secretary-treasurer for LiUNA Local 1611.
“Improvements to the arena will help families in Chase continue to thrive and – thanks to our members – we are thrilled that we can help make that happen.”
LiUna Local 1611 is a labour union that represents a diverse set of workers in various sectors – road building, pipeline, paving, utility, mining, diamond drilling, industrial plants, rail, dock and shipyard, health care, security, cemeteries, funeral homes, janitorial, parking lots and landscaping.
Its union members have been servicing B.C. and Yukon since 1937.
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