The Elk Point arena operating committee is seeking $192,125 in funding from the county of St. Paul to help replace the original 50-year-old ice plant at the A.G Ross Arena. The proposed upgrade is part of a broader plan to enhance the facility and increase its operational capacity, allowing for an extended ice season and additional community events.
During a delegation at the county of St. Paul’s public works meeting on September 24, committee representatives emphasized the pressing need for this significant upgrade. Elk Point Agricultural Society President Carrie Baumgardner highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by, the arena, stating, “We’re always busy with maintenance,” referencing issues such as a leaking roof and corrosion problems. The aging infrastructure has made maintenance increasingly difficult and costly, with parts for the current ice plant becoming harder to find.
The first phase of the committee’s comprehensive plan involves replacing the ice plant by 2025, with an estimated total cost of $1.5 million. To help fund this project, the committee has applied for a $768,500 matching grant through the provincial government’s Active Communities Initiative (ACI). However, securing the grant means the committee must cover half of the project’s total cost, which equates to $768,500.
The committee has currently made significant strides in fundraising efforts, securing $388,875 through its initiatives and obtaining a $187,500 commitment from the Town of Elk Point on September 3. The committee is now requesting that the county of St. Paul cover 25 percent of the matching grant, which would help fulfill financial requirements for the ACI grant.
Baumgardner noted the importance of demonstrating how the upgrade would enhance the community, citing increased demand for earlier ice access and request to host tournaments beyond the arena’s usual programming. “We have to show how it would enhance our community right now,” she explained.
During the meeting, Reeve Glen Ockerman inquired if the committee had sought funding through federal grants. Baumgardner confirmed that they had applied for the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Building program, which offers up to $3 million to retrofitting community buildings, but were not accepted.
The committee is actively pursuing additional grant opportunities as they seek to fund the necessary upgrades. Baumgardner informed the council that they need to provide 35 percent down payment by November if the ACI grant is approved.
The county council has deferred its decision on the funding request, planning to discuss it further during its strategic planning meeting in October. Councillor Darrell Younghans encouraged members to consider alternative funding avenues regardless of the ACI grant’s outcome, acknowledging the significant contributions made by community volunteers in recent years. “What we’ve seen in the last three to five years – the difference in what the volunteers have done in our community – it’s great to see,” Younghans said.
As the Elk Point Arena Committee continues to seek support for its ambitious project, the potential upgrade to the ice plant promises to not only modernize the facility but also enhance the community’s access to recreational opportunities.
