Light Up Central

In 2018, the decision was made to tear down the existing the Central Community Rink building. The structure was beyond reasonable repairs and it was starting to get harder and harder to find volunteers and fix the building. Therefore a call to action was taken to remove the building.

The social issues in Kenora are top of mind. We have witnessed an increase in vandalism and violence, as well as, drug and alcohol abuse. With these social issues at hand, it is becoming more important for the Community to provide our children with affordable options for recreational activities. In order to minimize the risk factors and maximize protective factors related to crime, violence and drug and alcohol abuse, we need to strengthen the life skills of our youth.

Sports can empower children and communities as a whole. Specifically, sports can offer important opportunities for building life skills of at-risk youth to allow them to better cope with daily life challenges and move them away from involvement in crime, violence, drug and alcohol use. There is a reduced risk in youth who play sports versus those who do not.

Our Central Community Rink can have that positive influence on our children. Quite often the Central Rink has been the only rink in its area available for kids to use. Both the general public and our local schools used the Central Rink on a regular basis. On average 50 to 60 kids used the rink every day. Many of our adults in Kenora can remember fondly the many nights they spent on the rink. Time spent with family and friends; knowing that if they didn’t have access to this how differently their lives could have been.

Last winter was the first time the Central Rink was dark. It felt like a piece of our community was turned off. Many individuals and families missed the rink. It is time for us to “Light Up Central”.

The Committee is ready to start moving forward with its plans to rebuild the new Central Community Club. The building will need to comply with Industrial Building by-laws for include accessibility guidelines inclusive of handicap washrooms. A building design has been drafted that meets the by-laws and soil compaction tests have been completed. We are now waiting on final approval of the architectural drawings from Nelson’s Architecture.

There has been a great response from local businesses and agencies to volunteer their time and resources. Solid Construction, Best Way Rentals, Bishop Plumbing and Heating, Canadian Tire and Kinsmen Club just to name a few.

Our goal is to raise $170,000 through various efforts, such as, a Go Fund Me campaign, Corporate Sponsorships, and the sale of promotional merchandise. We will kick off our “Light Up Central" initiative with a charity BBQ hosted by The Standard on July 31st.

With your help we can “Light Up Central” and make sure all kids have access to affordable options for recreational activities.