Kootenay-Columbia’s MP, Wayne Stetski, thinks that an ice rink on Parliament Hill could be put to better use in his riding. Stetski believes the Canada 150 rink should be given to Fernie because of the ammonia tragedy Fernie suffered in October 2017.
“This Canada 150 rink in Ottawa has been controversial,” Stetski says. “It is about 500 metres from the City of Ottawa’s outdoor rink that they put out every year and its about 300 metres from the Rideau Canal, which is probably the longest skating rink in the world.”
“To build that rink with Canada 150 money created controversy,” Stetski says. “I think there’s potential to do something bigger and send it to Fernie.”
Stetski says an ice plant would be a huge boost if the Elk Valley community keeps their outdoor rink as an annual attraction.
Fernie opened their outdoor rink December 21st after volunteers donated over $225,000 in supplies and labour costs. The NHL-sized rink boards, valued at $60,000, were donated by the Calgary Flames Foundation. The remaining costs were covered by local organizations and led by Chuck Shoesmith of the Fernie Lions Club.
The Canada 150 rink would come with player benches, time keeper and penalty boxes, change rooms and heated Zamboni storage. This is something that Fernie could really use following the shortcoming created by the ammonia tragedy.
