It was a significant milestone for Renfrew’s recreation centre expansion project and a special community group was able to help mark the occasion.
The new ice surface at the myFM Centre at Ma-te-Way Park is officially open and ready for use and The Icepickers, Community Living Renfrew County South’s Sledge program, are honoured to be the first group to test out the new ice. Members of Renfrew council joined the Icepickers and Community Living staff for a ceremonial skate on Thursday, Jan. 18.
Allan Yull, a former employee and current volunteer of Community Living Renfrew County South, and his outreach group, attended various committee and town meetings to promote the idea of making the new ice pad accessible to include sledging.
“The Icepickers appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into making the dream of having an accessible ice pad in our community a reality,” said Yull.
Coun. Jason Legris, chair of the Ma-te-Way Expansion Working Group, expressed his excitement.
“The community has been waiting a long time for this moment and we are finally ready to open the new ice pad. This state-of-the-art facility with accessibility enhancements will be used by people of all ages, skills, and mobility levels,” said Legris.
Adaptations to the new arena include leveling of the ice surface to the benches and putting Plexiglass in front of the players benches so those sledging can see through the boards and onto the ice. There is also a wheelchair friendly viewing area for the new ice surface.
The first public skate on the new ice pad is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. This weekend will also mark the first hockey tournament in Renfrew that uses both ice surfaces.
Town of Renfrew officials are excited to be able to open the new ice pad to user groups early in 2024. The expansion project is nearing the final stages.
Tenants, including 96.1 myFM, Renfrew Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Centre, Ultimate Fitness and Child’s Paradise Day Care, will begin occupying their new spaces shortly. The walking track, gymnasium and fitness centre, dance studio and multipurpose rooms will be the next facilities to open to the public. Part of the second phase of the expansion project will see the Bonnechere Algonquin Indigenous Cultural Centre open later in 2024.
(written by Sherry Haaima)
The new ice pad is equipped with accessible benches.
A bird’s eye view of the new ice pad.