$1 including gst
$1.5K raised during Holden Terry Fox Run PAGE 9 Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 106 Issue 04
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Wednesday, September 20, 2023 s
Feds come through with large grant for Tofield Arena upgrades John Mather Staff Reporter
The federal government has come through with a grant for $904,298 for Tofield and Beaver County which will cover much of the cost of retrofits to the Tofield Arena. The grant was issued through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program. Tofield and Beaver County each added $34,269 to fund the total cost of the project which was mostly completed in the past year. “We weren’t able to discuss this for a long time so we didn’t hurt our chances of obtaining the grant,” said Tofield Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards. He said a low emissive ceiling which is going to go above the ice surface and the new chiller will be finished by October. Other repairs included the removal of the concrete slab and replacement of the brine lines. “Both of those were beyond their state of reasonable repair and had to be replaced.“ said Edwards. “If not repaired, our abilities to go forward with ice was dire.” He added that besides the grant, and the monies from Tofield and Beaver County, there were also private donations made to the project. The total cost of the repairs were $1.2 million. “Rural communities often have a facility serve as its driving force for activity, social amenities, and the life blood of its residents,” said Tofield Mayor Deb
LISA KUFLAY PHOTO
Tofield School held a back-to-school assembly recently. Above, Madison Zemlak speaks to the audience about Student Advocacy for the Voices of Youth (SAVY). Story and additional photo on Page 5. PAUL CORDIERO PHOTO
Dueck, upon receipt of the grant funding. “The Tofield Arena identifies as each of these and has done so for the past 50 years. The facilities user groups, patrons, and visitors can once again look forward to this staple of Tofield. Mayor and Council are exceptionally grateful to the Government of Canada, the community and their contributions to the Tofield Arena project.” Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook echoed
Dueck’s comments stating, “The Tofield Arena has been a focal piece for Tofield and our region for 50 years. Without the continued operation of this facility, it would be an insurmountable loss to all our residents. “Successful collaboration is key to the enhancement and sustainability of our region. A project of this nature showcases the strong, harmonious working relationship between the County and our neighbours,”he added. The improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 13.6 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 81.4 tonnes annually. This work will enable the arena to continue to serve as a space for community members to enjoy a diverse range of recreational services, while reducing its environmental footprint.