Members of the Christopher Lake Village council and MLA Alana Ross stand inside the community's new outdoor arena. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Exciting ventures

Christopher Lake celebrates grand openings of recreation projects

Jul 21, 2022 | 5:00 PM

A new facility that will help host hockey games in the winter, as well as lacrosse, soccer and outdoor concerts in the summer, was one of two big announcements made in the Village of Christopher Lake on Thursday.

A special event was held to mark the grand openings of an outdoor arena, as well as a log gazebo. They represent a $420,000 recreation project jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments and the local community.

“These facilities will be gathering places to build lasting memories for all those who use them and help strengthen the heart of our community,” Village Mayor Chris McShannock told the crowd in attendance.

The outdoor arena includes a warm up shack and the entire floor is paved allowing it to be used for rollerblading or pickleball. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

The log gazebo was locally constructed and has been a popular gathering place for seniors. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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While construction started last September, McShannock acknowledged the actual planning started over six years ago. Noting the impact of COVID and how costs have increased over the years, he told paNOW the community has been very supportive during the soft opening.

“Last winter even when it was cold outside, you’d get to the rink and there was 20, 30, 40 people there,” he said. “I anticipate it will get used a lot more this year.”

The School Community Council (SCC) was one of the groups involved in fundraising. Vice chair, Carmen Dogniez, fought back tears as she looked up at the roof and discussed the project that, in her words, started out as nothing more than a dream.

“To be completely honest our group of six moms and a principal had no idea what was involved in creating a skating rink,” she shared. “We just had a vision of providing a safe community space for our children to be. A place where they could burn off steam and remain positively busy. A place where they could just be kids.”

Recognizing the size of the financial goal, Dogniez explained how the SCC partnered with the area’s recreation board and held a trip-a-month raffle. The funds raised were used to help purchase the rink boards and proper matting for people to walk on with skates.

“These raffles were successful because of the individuals that purchased tickets. Thank you to each person that saw value in our efforts,” she said.

Carmen Dogniez was ovecome with emotion during Thursday’s event. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Funds received from a Sask. Lottery Community Grant were used to help buy basketball nets, hockey nets and other sports equipment that would enhance the rink area.

Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the federal government contributed over $98,000 towards the project, and the province’s share was over $82,000.

Among the dignitaries in attendance for Thursday’s grand opening celebration was Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross, who expressed her personal amazement at seeing the outdoor arena on behalf of the Sask. Party.

“Congratulations to everyone in the community who has put in the time and effort and the planning to bring this beautiful facility to your community,” she said.

Norseman Structures out of Saskatoon was responsible for putting the roof on the rink and representative David Kelso, whose family is also part of the community, explained the company sets a goal each year to invest in one community project.

“This one hit home a little bit more than most that I get involved in; only because I have a kid that plays hockey. I understand the importance of building a community and keeping kids off the streets,” he said.

David Kelso’s six-year-old son enjoys the benefits of the new arena. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

And no party is quite complete without some cake. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

McShannock noted that some finishing touches will be completed in the fall, but added council can now move forward on some other projects in the community, including a 1.2 kilometer paved walking path.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell