'Major for the community': Frontenac region reopens its ice rink
The Frontenac Community Arena, located near Verona, just north of Kingston, has undergone a major transformation.
On Friday, it readied to reopen to the public.
For more than 40 years, the single pad arena has served the communities of Central and South Frontenac. In 2019, the decision was made to suddenly close the rink, because of aging equipment.
Arena Manager Tim Laprade says after two years, those renovations have been completed and now the rink is ready to reopen.
"It’s major. It’s really major for the community," he explains. "I think of the little kids coming here now. They don’t remember this arena when it was new. So now it’s brand new. Everything is fresh, it’s exciting, it’s brighter."
New major upgrades include tearing up the floors, putting in a new refrigeration system, and adding in new boards and glass.
"The typical life expectancy of an arena floor is about 20-25 years," explains Laprade. "We were lucky to get over 40 years with the old system so the new system should see us through to the next 20 or 30 years."
The $1.3 million project has been funded by all three levels of government.
The facility hosts everything from community skates to more competitive hockey games.
Central Frontenac Councillor Brent Cameron, calls the arena important to the community.
"I learned to skate here growing up. My children learned to skate here, this arena has had an impact on families for generations," he explains. "It’s important for us to build a quality of life in this community. We care about it If we want people to pursue their dreams, we want to give them an opportunity to pursue them locally."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.