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Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 106 Issue 30
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Community support again needed for Tofield Arena improvements
Tofield Arena pictured in September of 2023.
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Tofield Agricultural Society recently announced Phase 2 of the Tofield Arena renovations, which includes the construction of a dedicated Zamboni room, enhancements to east dressing rooms, storage, and a dedicated area for referees. Phase 1 was completed in Fall 2022 and saw the replacement of the cement pad and the brine cooling lines. “There was an independent study completed in 2020 that outlined the needs of the Arena facility. This study identified concerns that required immediate attention. First, was the cement pad. “The second concern was safety with the size of the Zamboni room and the radius of the working area. The current Zamboni room does not fit the size of the current or new style Zambonis, causing extreme safety concerns. “Therefore, the Tofield Ag Society decided to complete Phase One, which saw the replacement of the cement pad and brine lines after having been in place for 50 years,” said Tofield Agricultural Society President, Dave Berrecloth. Both the Town of Tofield and Beaver County have contributed financially to the project, the Ag Society has applied for many grants, and together with community members and local business donations, Phase 1’s budget of $1.2 million was covered. “The Tofield Ag Society approached both the Town of Tofield and Beaver County with the challenges and needs of the facility, along with the importance of what the facility presented for past, present, and future quality of life for the community. They acknowledged the severity and the need
to action the project immediately and each provided $500,000 to ensure the completion of the project,” Berrecloth said. “We continued to pursue grants through both the provincial and federal governments and were successful in obtaining a federal grant called the Green and Inclusive Community Grant. Along with the generosity of the Town of Tofield, Beaver County, the federal government, local businesses, and current and past families from the community, the Tofield Ag Society was able to successfully complete Phase One with minimal impact on our user groups and return the facility back to regular use without missing a season,” said Berrecloth. Now moving onto Phase 2, the Ag Society has received a provincial grant: the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP). Again, both Beaver County and the Town of Tofield have contributed $500,000 each. “There was the unanimous support by the Tofield Ag Society Executive and Directors to proceed with Phase Two – Arena Expansion. With the Tofield Ag Society being successful in receiving federal funding for Phase One, we are able to use the balance of the local governments funding toward Phase Two. However, funding is still short to complete this Phase,” Berrecloth said. The Ag Society is bringing back the ‘Take a Year Off Lottery’ which will begin on April 1st, and run until the draw date on Canada Day, July 1st. “With Phase Two budgeted at $1.4 million, we once again need to raise additional funds to cover the full cost of the Arena Expansion. “Even with the CFEP funding and the Town of Tofield and Beaver County’s support, the Ag Society will need to reach out to the community for sup-
LISA KUFLAY PHOTO
port and to raise additional funds for this project. The Arena is a vital component of Tofield, Beaver County, and a strong part of our community identity. Our community Arena will need the community’s support,” Berrecloth said. The tickets for the lottery will be available for purchase electronically through Rafflebox, and there are only 2000 tickets for sale. “The grand prize is $52,000 for the winner and seven other prizes up to $5,000. In conjunction with this lottery there will be a 50/50 lottery drive to help support our goals which will also be available April 1st on Rafflebox,” said Berrecloth. The fundraising goal from the community is $250,000 to fund Phase 2. The projected completion date of this phase is Fall 2024. “If any business, families, or individuals are interested in donating please contact the Ag Society at 780-662-3260 or the website at www.tofieldagsociety.ca. All donations will receive a taxable receipt,” Berrecloth said. Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook says the County is proud to partner with the Ag Society to improve the Arena. “Beaver County Council recognizes that the Tofield Arena is more than just a building; it's a community hub which brings people together to provide recreation and social connections. “Many of our residents enjoy an enhanced quality of life from the use of the facility, whether it's through hockey practices and games, the skating club, 4-H show and sales, dance shows, or graduation. We are proud to partner with the Tofield Ag Society and the Town of Tofield to help fund improvements to this important community asset,” he said.