(Pontiac Arena Fund/Facebook)
It’s been the hub of the community for some 60 years and now, the arena in Shawville, Que., is in dire need of a major overhaul.
Pontiac Arena Fund committee member Mike Rusenstrom grew up on a dairy farm in Bristol and played minor hockey at the Shawville arena his entire childhood.
Rusenstrom tells myFM that the artificial ice was installed in 1965 and while there have been some repairs over the years, refurbishing it to meet the community’s growing needs is expected to be a $2 million project.
Hockey registration levels are higher than they were 10 years ago, says Rusenstrom and figure skating numbers are up as well. With increased usage comes more upkeep.
A new lease agreement between the Pontiac Agricultural Society and the municipality spurred the creation of a users committee.
Mike Rusenstrom is a member of the Pontiac Arena Fund.
Rusenstrom explains that when the users committee met it was decided to go forward with forming a new committee focused on fundraising and bringing the arena back to “what it could be.”
The calls for support are being heard, says Rusenstrom.
There are several fundraising events planned.
More than 500 tickets have already been sold for a Mens Night on May 9. The event features guest speakers, live music, a live auction and more.
And a June 1 event promises to be one for the books.
To find out about upcoming events or to lend support to the effort, the public is invited to follow the Pontiac Arena Fund Facebook page or send an email to pontiacarenafund@gmail.com .
(Written by Sherry Haaima)