Ear Falls Mayor Kevin Kahoot says municipal officials are doing everything in their power to reopen the community arena.
The facility is closed after the chiller failed.
Kahoot stresses they are close to securing a new one.
However, he notes a replacement costs about $200,000 and the Township is now actively seeking financial assistance.
Kahoot says, “It’s a sizable expense to the community but we believe it’s important for the mental health and the well-being of the community and the kids that use the arena.”
He states, “We’re very fortunate we have good partners, we have some good neighbours and I think when it’s all said and done I think we’re going to have some people stepping up to the plate to help us.”
Kahoot is hoping if everything comes together and they get the support they need, they can have the arena back open by the new year.
Kahoot admits it’s a frustrating development.
“We had the arena kind of up and down through COVID the last couple of years and we just kind of get to a situation where we are able to allow the kids and adults to get out and get exercise and play hockey and skate again and then we have this happen.”
However, Kahoot say all user groups have been very patient and understanding.
