Vernon minor hockey pledges cash for arena project

VERNON – A local sports organization has thrown financial support behind the construction of a new arena in Vernon.

The Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association board of directors has pledged a $25,000 contribution to the City of Vernon to be used toward the construction of a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place if the Nov. 28 referendum to decommission Civic Arena passes. 
 
“This contribution is not just for the benefit of Greater Vernon Minor Hockey, but for all user groups and for the community as a whole”, association president Kara Blazek says in a statement. “We as an association do not want to risk losing an ice sheet and leaving our community and youth without this much needed facility.”
 
The city says Civic Arena is falling apart and could suffer a major breakdown at any time. The upcoming referendum will ask voters to borrow up to $13.2 million for a second ice sheet to be added at Kal Tire Place.

Recreation services director Doug Ross applauds the hockey association for stepping up to endorse the proposed replacement project.

“They understand the proposed facility will be a valuable asset in the whole community and used for many organized activities including ringette, figure skating, speed skating and lacrosse,” Ross says. 

The financial contribution was approved in principle by the Minor Hockey board and will be going to membership for full approval at a general meeting Nov. 19.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.