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No Timeline To Reopen Dryden Memorial Arena

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The City of Dryden is still not ready to reopen the Dryden Memorial Arena.

Manager of Community Services Steve Belanger says they were hoping to open up around September 26.

“Our user groups aren’t quite there yet. So that’s being pushed back slightly and we really don’t have a hard date for our install at this point. Once we have a commitment of 30 hours per week, which will go a long way to take care of the hydro costs associated with operating the refrigeration plant, then we’ll move forward.”

Belanger says the first phase will only include Rink 1 as user groups must adjust to the new tight rules before they can put the ice in on the Chris Pronger rink.

Belanger says “We’ve released our Return to Play guide and we’ve met with our Minor Sport user groups recently to discuss the guide and make sure it was understood by the associations who call this facility home and how that plan will be implemented and the responsibilities of all involved.”

He stresses the groups are receptive of the strategy and everyone is very concerned about the health of participants.

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Sioux Lookout Arena Open With New Rules

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The Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena has opened its doors to the public following a lengthy COVID-19 shutdown.

Manager of Corporate Services Brian MacKinnon says the ice is in and user groups can now use the rink.

MacKinnon stresses a number of health and safety measures must be followed.

“It’s going to make for a different experience visiting the arena and participating in activities there. But we do appreciate everyone’s cooperation and respecting the rules going forward. They are there for the protection, health and safety of everyone including all the user groups and staff.”

MacKinnon says face coverings and masks are mandatory at all times, in all locations of the arena.

MacKinnon explains “The various user groups will be asked to develop a method for taking attendance. Both of the individuals who are on the ice and any spectators. For contact tracing purposes should that ever be ever requested by the Health Unit.”

Other Rules and Guidelines:
-Entry to the Arena is not permitted through the Main Doors (use Northwest Arena entrance only-King Street)
-User Groups inside the Arena can only be a maximum of 50 participants
-Lobby is not permitted for viewing at this time. Washrooms are available but you must check-in with the front desk at the main doors; Do not hangout in the lobby
-Only One Parent per Child; Only 50 spectators are permitted in the bleachers; individuals must maintain physical distancing measures (2-metres apart)
-Entry to dressing rooms will be permitted for 20 minutes before Ice Time and no more than 15 minutes after Ice Time
-Recreation and Culture Staff would advise players to arrive at the Arena dressed to ease congestion and interactions
-Showers are currently unavailable
-No running or Horseplay
-Absolutely no spitting

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Red Lake Ready For Construction Of Events Centre

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The ground work and preparations for a new multi-purpose Events Centre and Arena in Red Lake have been completed and now all that’s missing is government support.

Red Lake Mayor Fred Mota says the community is anxious to move forward with the construction of the Regional Event Art and Cultural Hub.

“Red Lake is shovel ready. So if we receive the entire funding today, we are ready to dig tomorrow. The important piece behind this is we need to be nominated by the province to the federal government for funding.”

Mota says “We’ve had multiple meetings with Minister Scott (Infrastructure) and other ministers within the provincial caucus. Minister Rickford is very aware of our project. And we also had a face-to-face meeting with the premier of Ontario.”

He stresses “We’re hopeful that this project, our ‘REACH’ facility, will be nominated and hopefully advance our community for the future.”

Mota says the engineer work and design has been completed and they have the support of the public, user groups, First Nations and neighbouring communities.

The Regional Event Art and Cultural Hub would include a 500 person seating capacity ice rink and a 300 person seating capacity performing arts centre.

The facility would replace the 58-year-old Cochenour Arena and has been in the planning stages since 2011.

Mota says they have land developed off of Hughes Crescent in Red Lake.

The funding allocations for the $30-million project includes 40% federal, 33% provincial and 27% from the municipality.

To hear more from Mayor Fred Mota, visit the Audio link below.

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DREAM Planning Big Day On Sunday At Arena

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It’s DREAM Day in December.

An Open House to show off recent upgrades to the Dryden Memorial Arena and an important announcement is being held on Sunday, December 1st at the complex.

The event is being held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm.

Officials with the Dryden Recreation Extension and Modification Committee will be on hand to showcase recent improvements at the facility.

There will be a free skate as well as free hot dogs and popcorn.

DREAM and the City of Dryden are hosting the event.

A major funding commitment will also be unveiled.

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Sioux Lookout Pursues Funding For New Rec. Centre

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The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is hoping to take advantage of a provincial-federal funding program for a new Recreation Centre.

Mayor Doug Lawrence says they have submitted a $42-million application.

If successful, both levels of senior government would contribute in the range of 74%, with the municipality responsible for the other 26%.

However, Lawrence says they are actively pursuing other funding streams to ease the burden on taxpayers.

Lawrence says the multi-use complex would include a double pad arena, a pool, and a gymnasium, among other things.

He calls the application a rare but great opportunity, noting there’s been plenty of public support for the project.

Lawrence says “We’ve been undertaking a Sports Tourism strategy, which included looking at recreation facilities. We are in the middle of that, so it was handy we were able to use staff resources and consulting resources to develop a cost estimate and a very preliminary concept, enough to put an application in.”